A bone graft is surgery to place new bone into spaces around a broken bone or in between holes and defects in bone. The new bone can be taken from the patient's own healthy bone (this is called an autograft) or from frozen, donated bone (allograft).

Autograft; Allograft

An cut is made over the bone defect and the bone graft is shaped and inserted into and around the defect. The graft is held in place with pins, plates, or screws. The incisions are stitched closed. A splint or cast is usually used to prevent injury or movement while healing.

Bone grafts are used to:

• Repair broken bones (fractures) that have bone loss
• Repair injured bone that has not healed
• Fuse joints to prevent movement

The risks for any anesthesia include:

• Reactions to medications
• Problems breathing

• Bleeding
• Infection

Most bone grafts help the bone defect to heal with little risk of graft rejection.

Recovery time depends on the injury or defect being treated and generally varies from 1 to 10 days. Vigorous exercise may be restricted for up to 3 months.