CALACANEAL AUTOGRAFT HARVEST

If you need a Calcaneal autograft harvest, please Schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedic specialists as soon as possible.

What Is A Calcaneal Autograft Harvest?

Surgeons perform calcaneal autograft harvest by extracting a small piece of bone from the heel bone (calcaneus). Furthermore, utilizing it as a bone graft to augment or repair other areas of the body requiring bone reinforcement.

Surgeons commonly use bone grafts in orthopedic surgery to stimulate bone healing, fuse bones, or substitute missing bone.  Autografts, sourced from the patient’s own body, usually offer superior biocompatibility and carry a lower risk of rejection compared to allografts (grafts from a donor) or synthetic materials.

Surgeons often select the calcaneus as a donor site for autografts because of its relatively large size and abundance of cancellous (spongy) bone. Cancellous bone, which features a high concentration of bone-forming cells and a porous structure, is an ideal option for stimulating bone healing and fusion.

Process of Calcaneal Autograft Harvest

During the calcaneal autograft harvest procedure, the medical team begins by positioning the patient appropriately, either laying them on their stomach or side, to access the calcaneus. Ensuring the patient’s comfort and safety throughout, they administer general or regional anesthesia.

The surgeon then makes an incision over the calcaneus to expose the bone. Carefully using specialized instruments, they remove a small piece of bone from the calcaneus, determining the amount needed based on the specific requirements of the graft site. Once the graft is harvested, the surgeon closes the incision using sutures or surgical staples and dresses and bandages the surgical site.

Subsequently, the surgeon utilizes the harvested bone to augment or repair the target area, such as a spinal fusion site or a fracture nonunion. Following the procedure, the patient receives instructions for post-operative care and rehabilitation, which may include activity restrictions and physical therapy to aid in the healing process.

Calcaneal Autograft Harvest Risks

Like any surgical procedure, calcaneal autograft harvest carries potential risks and complications. Some risks include infection, nerve injury, and pain at the donor site. However, the benefits of utilizing the patient’s own bone for grafting often surpass the risks, as it can result in enhanced bone healing and long-term outcomes. Surgeons base the decision to use a calcaneal autograft or any other type of bone graft on the patient’s specific condition, surgical needs, and the expertise and judgment of the surgeon.

Calcaneal Autograft Harvest Recovery

Recovery from a calcaneal autograft harvest involves several key steps to ensure proper healing and minimize discomfort. Initially, patients should keep weight off the affected foot to prevent strain on the surgical site. Using crutches or a walker can help maintain mobility while protecting the heel. Pain management is crucial, and doctors often prescribe medications to alleviate discomfort during the early recovery phase.

Patients should follow a rehabilitation program that includes physical therapy exercises to restore strength and flexibility to the foot and ankle. Regular follow-up appointments with the surgeon will monitor the healing process and address any concerns. Keeping the surgical site clean and dry is essential to prevent infection.

Gradually, as healing progresses, patients can start bearing weight on the foot, guided by their healthcare provider’s recommendations. With diligent care and adherence to recovery protocols, most patients regain full function of their foot and resume normal activities.

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.