Health Library

Spinal bone graft - series

Normal anatomy

The spinal vertebrae are separated by cartilage disks. The cartilage disks are filled with a gelatinous substance, which provide cushioning to the spinal column.

Indications

A herniated disk occurs when the soft, gelatinous center of an intervertebral disk (nucleus pulposus) is forced through a weakened part of the disk. This results in back pain and nerve-root irritation.

Procedure, part 1

The hip bones are a good source for bone grafts. They regenerate quickly and do not bear a lot of weight.

While you are deep asleep and pain-free (using general anesthesia), an incision is made over the crest of the hip bone. A piece of bone is removed, and the incision is stitched (sutured) closed. Some discomfort is felt in this area.

Procedure, part 2

The bone graft is used to fill in a defect in the bone, or fuse a fracture or joint. An incision is made over the bone defect, and the bone graft is shaped around and inserted into the defect. The graft is held in place with pins, plates, or screws. The incisions are stitched (sutured) closed. A splint or cast is used to prevent injury or movement while healing.

Aftercare

Most bone grafts are successful in helping the bone defect to heal. There is little risk of graft rejection. Vigorous exercise is restricted for up to three months.

Review Date: 9/20/2022  

Reviewed By: C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, San Francisco, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, for Health Content Provider (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- 2024 A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.