Many orthopaedic surgery cases require bone grafting. Spinal fusions (where vertebrae are ‘welded’ together), certain fractures, and some joint replacements are all surgeries where bone graft is needed. Bone graft may be “structural”, where a single block of bone gives support, or “non-structural”, where chips of bone aid in healing or fusion.

Technology has advanced to the point where banked bone or “allograft” may work as well as one’s own bone in certain situations. Rejection of the bone graft still occasionally occurs, but is much less frequent if the surgeon uses internal fixation (plates and screws), since motion at the operative site tends to increase the rejection. Sometimes a mixture, taking a tiny amount of the patient’s own bone (usually from the hip area), and expanding the volume with a bone graft substitute (usually solid or gel forms of bank bone) is a way to get the best of both techniques. Alternatively, specially-prepared calcium granules can be mixed in.

Newer products, such as “bone morphogenic protein” seem to greatly enhance the bone healing process. However, they are very expensive and certain criteria must be met for their use. They are often restricted to use in the anterior (front) of the lumbar spine or cases of non-healing fractures and spinal fusions.

You can discuss bone graft options with your surgeon. Although sometimes there is no good substitute for taking bone from the hip, the above alternatives may be suitable for you.