BONE GRAFTING

If you need a bone grafting, please Schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedic specialists as soon as possible.

What Is Bone Grafting?

Bone grafting is a surgical procedure in which bone or a bone substitute is transplanted to a specific area of the body to promote bone healing, growth, or repair. It is commonly used in orthopedic and dental surgeries to treat various conditions that involve bone loss or to aid in the healing of fractures or defects.

Purpose of Bone Grafting:

1. Bone Fracture Repair: In cases of complex or non-healing fractures, bone grafts may be used to promote bone union and accelerate the healing process.
2. Bone Defects: Bone grafting is used to fill voids or defects caused by trauma, tumor removal, infection, or congenital deformities.
3. Fusion of Joints: Bone grafts are often used in spinal surgeries or joint fusions to promote the fusion of adjacent bones, stabilizing the area and reducing pain.
4. Dental Implants: In dentistry, bone grafting is commonly used to provide a stable base for dental implants when there is insufficient natural bone to support them.
5. Corrective Surgeries: Bone grafting may be performed in reconstructive surgeries to correct deformities or improve bone structure.

Types of Bone Grafts:

1. Autograft: In an autograft, bone is taken from one part of the patient’s body (donor site) and transplanted to the area requiring grafting. Autografts are often considered the gold standard as they contain live bone cells and provide an excellent chance of successful integration.
2. Allograft: Allografts use bone tissue obtained from a deceased donor or a bone bank. The donor bone is carefully processed and treated to remove any living cells to reduce the risk of rejection. Allografts are used when a large amount of bone is needed or when harvesting bone from the patient’s body is not feasible.
3. Xenograft: Xenografts use bone material from a different species, usually bovine or porcine. The xenograft serves as a scaffold for new bone growth but is eventually replaced by the patient’s own bone tissue.
4. Alloplastic or Synthetic Bone Grafts: These are bone graft substitutes made from synthetic materials, such as calcium-based ceramics or bioactive glasses. They provide structural support and stimulate bone regeneration.

Bone grafting is a complex procedure that requires careful evaluation of the patient’s medical history, imaging studies, and the specific condition being treated. The choice of the type of bone graft depends on factors such as the size of the defect, the location of the graft, the patient’s overall health, and the surgeon’s preference.

Post-surgery, patients are typically advised to follow specific guidelines for proper healing and bone integration. Recovery times vary depending on the extent of the surgery and the individual’s response to the grafting procedure.

If you would like to speak to an Orthopedic  Specialist, give us a call at 817-697-4038, or contact us over the web. Tele-medicine appointments are also available.