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.
