• Patient Information
• What is bone?
• What are bones made of?
• Bone remodelling
• How does bone heal?
• Why do I need bone grafts?
• What are the different types of bone graft?
• The ideal bone graft substitute
• Further Information

Why do I need bone grafts?

As described earlier, bone grafts or bone graft substitutes are often used where there is a large gap or space between bones that needs help to repair itself.

While the ultimate goal of your surgery is to obtain pain relief, maintaining structure and stability is crucial during the recovery process when new bone is forming. 

Common examples of where bone grafts may be used are:

Fractures

Bone grafts can be used in trauma operations with the aim to help bridge or regenerate areas of skeletal loss with viable bone while maintaining limb length, alignment and function

Spinal fusion

Bone grafts are used to enable fusion, fill voids and enhance biological repair of skeletal defects. Metal fixation devices are used to correct and stabilize the operative site, which minimizes movement and encourages bone fusion. The bone graft allows bone to grow, fusing the site to create long term support.

Other

Bone grafts can be used in numerous other procedures such as filling bone cysts or surgically made defects, e.g., following bone tumour removal

Bone grafts and bone graft substitutes are used to encourage rapid bone growth, deliver effective fusion, and provide lasting results.