BONE GRAFT

General Information

DEFINITION--Filling space between fragments of a broken bone.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Bone.

REASONS FOR SURGERY

• Joining of two or more parts of a bone that have broken and not grown back together.
• Fusion of the spine after injury or surgery.

SURGICAL RISK INCREASES WITH

• Adults over 60.
• Obesity.
• Smoking.
• Poor nutrition.
• Recent illness.
• Alcoholism or chronic illness.
• Use of mind-altering drugs, including: narcotics; psychedelics; hallucinogens; marijuana; sedatives; hypnotics; or cocaine.

What To Expect

WHO OPERATES--Orthopedist.

WHERE PERFORMED--Hospital.

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

• Before surgery: X-rays of area to be grafted; blood and urine studies.
• After surgery: Blood studies; x-rays of grafted area.

ANESTHESIA--General anesthesia by injection and inhalation with an airway tube placed in the windpipe.

DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION

• If bone for the graft is to be taken from the patient, it is usually removed from the top of the hip bone or the ribs. Otherwise, bone is obtained from a bone bank (See Glossary).
• An incision is made over the affected bone. The bone is located and isolated.
• The bone to be grafted is shaped to fit the affected area. Bits and pieces of bone graft are held in place with bone wax or plastic material.
• The skin is closed with sutures or clips, which usually can be removed about 1 week after surgery.
• A splint or plaster cast keeps the affected part rigid and promotes healing (sometimes).

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Excessive bleeding.
• Surgical-wound infection.
• Rejection of transplanted bone.

AVERAGE HOSPITAL STAY--7 to 10 days.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Expect complete healing without complications. Allow about 3 months for recovery from surgery.

Postoperative Care

† Move and elevate legs often while resting in bed to decrease the likelihood of deep--

vein blood clots.

• See Care of Casts in Appendix.

† You may use non--prescription drugs, such as acetaminophen, for minor pain.

† To help recovery and aid your well--

being, resume daily activities, including work, as soon as you are able.

• Avoid vigorous exercise for 3 months after surgery. > Resume driving when able.

DIET---No special diet.

Call Your Doctor If

† Pain, swelling, redness, drainage or bleeding increases in the surgical area.

• You develop signs of infection: headache, muscle aches, dizziness or a general ill feeling and fever.
• New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.