WHAT IS BONE GRAFTING?
Bone grafting is a procedure performed to replace bone or augment bone healing during a surgery such as an orthopaedic reconstruction (for example, in the case of a fractured tibia) and spinal fusion. Most commonly, a person's bone (autograft) is harvested from their pelvis for these types of procedures. However, if a person's bone quantity and/or quality are not enough to assist in these types of surgeries, other bone grafting options must be considered.
There are a few different types of bone graft:
BONE HEALING: SPINAL FUSION
Bone grafting is used with several common spinal fusion procedures, including:
- Fusion in the lower (lumbar) spine
- Cervical fusion
- Sacroiliac joint fusion
Bone grafts encourage bone formation to stabilise the spine and achieve spinal fusion.
Possible Side Effects of Spinal Fusion with Bone Grafting
As with any surgery, surgical treatment is not without risk. A variety of complications related to surgery or the use of bone graft can occur. Some of these may be severe, affecting the surgical outcome, and there may be need for additional surgery to correct these complications. Always talk to a doctor to discuss the specific risks associated with surgery.
Some of the possible complications include:
- Allergic reaction to the implant materials
- Bleeding, which may require a blood transfusion
- Bone formation that is not normal, in excess, or in an unintended location
- Damage to nearby tissues or nerves
- Death
- Fetal development complications
- Infection
- Pain or discomfort
- Respiratory (breathing) problems
- Scar formation or other problems with the surgical incision
- Side effects from anaesthesia or the surgical approach
- Skin swelling or irritation
If any of these issues are experienced after surgery, a doctor must be contacted immediately.
BONE HEALING: ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY
Bone grafting is one treatment option that can help heal broken bones. During orthopaedic surgery, a metal rod may be used to stabilise the bone, while bone graft is placed at the fracture site to stimulate bone healing and growth.
There are alternative treatments to orthopaedic surgery that don’t include bone graft. Always discuss options with a healthcare professional. Only a doctor can determine whether a bone graft is appropriate.
BONE HEALING AND BONE GRAFTING: FAQ
What keeps the bone graft from growing bone in other places in my body?
Bone graft will stimulate bone formation under specific circumstances, and only when present at a certain concentration. These criteria will only be met at the site of surgery where the bone graft is implanted.
I have heard that hip pain after bone harvesting can last up to two years or longer. Is that true?
One of the disadvantages of taking bone from the hip is local pain at the harvesting site. This pain can sometimes be significant. Most often, it is temporary and resolves during the spinal recovery period. Occasionally, the pain may be more chronic. With an allograft or synthetic bone graft, patients can avoid the need to have bone harvested for an orthopaedic procedure or spinal fusion.
