A bone graft is a surgery performed to place new bone into spaces between or around abnormal bones. Bone grafts may be taken from another part of the person's body, such as the hip or ribs. This is called an autograft. Bone grafts may also come from a tissue donor. These are called allografts.

Both types of grafts have advantages. An autograft is usually not rejected by the person's body, since it is his or her own bone. On the other hand, an allograft is more readily available, and the surgeon can use as much as needed. It also prevents a person from needing a second surgery. This is important if a large amount of bone graft is needed.

Who is a candidate for the procedure?

Bone grafts are commonly used to:

How is the procedure performed?

A bone graft is most often done under general anesthesia. This means the person is put to sleep with medicines and can feel no pain.

If the bone for the graft is going to be taken from the person, it is usually removed from the top of the hipbone or the ribs. Otherwise, the bone is obtained from a bone bank, which stores donor bones.

A cut is made over the affected bone, and the bone defect or fracture is located. The bone to be grafted is shaped to fit the affected area. Bits and pieces of bone graft are often held in place with bone wax, a type of plastic material. The skin is closed with sutures or staples. If the bone graft was on an arm or leg, a splint or cast may be applied.