Does Type of Bone Graft Used in Spinal Fusion Increase Risk of Infection?
So, you or someone you know is planning on having a spinal fusion. Lots of thoughts go through your mind as you prepare for the big day. Meanwhile, your surgeon is also giving the procedure some preplanning and preparation. Everything that can be done to minimize infection or other postoperative problems is considered. The surgeon will choose what type of bone graft material to use. Bone chips placed alongside and between the vertebral bodies help jump start the healing process and successful fusion. By now you may be wondering what type of bone graft materials are there to choose from? Which one will you be getting? The two basic bone grafts are either autografts (harvested from the patient) or allografts (obtained from a donor bank). The allografts may be irradiated as part of the sterilization process since they come from someone else. Allografts can also be nonirradiated. That leave three choices: autografts, irradiated allografts, and nonirradiated allografts. Each type of graftin
