Which orthopedic condition is commonly treated with a bone graft?

The use of a bone graft is especially pertinent for conditions like osteonecrosis or non-healing fractures. In osteonecrosis, the death of bone tissue due to a lack of blood supply often leads to structural failure, and bone grafting can replace the necrotic tissue with healthy bone, facilitating healing and restoration of function. Similarly, in the case of non-healing fractures, also known as non-union fractures, a bone graft provides biological material that promotes new bone formation and supports the existing structure in the healing process.

Bone grafts can offer both structural support and biological signals necessary for repair, which is critical in these challenging scenarios where the body struggles to heal adequately on its own. In contrast, while osteoporosis, arthritis, and fractured wrists can involve complex management strategies, they typically do not require bone grafts as a first-line treatment. Osteoporosis is primarily managed through medication and lifestyle changes to strengthen bone density, arthritis usually relies on anti-inflammatory treatments and physical therapy, and a fractured wrist may be stabilized with casts or surgical fixation rather than grafting.