Two types of bone grafts are known: – allograft and autograft. An allograft is a donated bone from a donor person, which had been stored in a tissue bank. An autograft is a bone taken from the patient’s body itself. Before performing the bone graft, a decision has to be made that what type of grafting should be done? Generally, if it is a hip or knee surgery, i.e. related with long bones, an allograft is performed; elsewise autografts are considered. The main steps while performing a bone graft are: –
First of all, the doctor prepares the patient for bone graft. Mostly, he/she will ask the patient to fast, elsewise anesthesia related issues may occur.
Then anesthesia will be given.
Then a small incision is made in the skin, where bone graft has to be done.
Then shaping of the donated bone is done.
This bone is fitted into the place of incision. Pins, plates, screws etc. are used for this purpose.
After placing the graft, the incision made is closed with stitches,
Finally, bandage is done.
Sometimes, a splint is placed for support, but it is not essential.
Recovery requires minimum two weeks.
This is relevant to orthopaedics speciality and musculo-skeletal system.