Type of Surgery
Information
Last updated: 11/24/2009
Although bone harvested from the patient is ideal, postoperative morbidity is sometimes associated with hip bone or fibula (part of the knee) autografts. Morbidity of allografts is usually related to the graft incorporating more slowly, and less completely,...
into the body.
In one study of over 1,000 patients who received very large allografts after bone cancer surgery, researchers found that approximately 85% were able to return to work or normal physical activities without crutches. However, approximately 25% required a second operation because the first graft did not heal properly.
Infections associated with bacterial contamination of allografts are rare. However, they can result in serious illness and death.
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Dental implants have revolutionized the way that dentists replace teeth, but they do require healthy jaw bone in which to anchor. Unfortunately tooth loss causes bone to resorb (atrophy or deteriorate). This video describes the process by which new bone if grafted into the jaw so that dental implants can be installed.
For bone grafting, an incision is made in the donor's hip (A). Pieces of bone are chipped off and removed (B). The bone materials are then transferred to the recipient area, in this case a femur that has been badly broken, to strengthen the bone (C). (Illustration by GGS Inc.)
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Other Information
Bone grafting is a surgical procedure that replaces missing bone with material from the patient's own body, an artificial, synthetic, or natural substitute. Bone grafting is used to repair bone fractures that are extremely complex, pose a significant health risk to the patient, or fail to heal properly.
Other Information
Orthopedic complaints are the most common reason to seek medical care.
From: About.com
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