Surg J R Coll Surg E
-
Surg J R Coll Surg E · Aug 2012
Review Retracted PublicationBone graft substitutes: What are the options?
Currently, a number of bone grafting materials are available in the clinical setting to enhance bone regeneration, varying from autologous bone to several bone graft substitutes. Although autologous bone remains the "gold standard" for stimulating bone repair and regeneration, the morbidity from its harvesting and its restricted availability generated the need for the development of other materials or strategies either to substitute autologous bone graft or expand its limited supply. ⋯ Based on their distinct properties, all these bone grafting alternatives have specific indications, and can be used either alone or in combination. In this review, we summarise the available bone grafting materials, focussing mainly on the various bone substitutes and their characteristics, in an effort to specify the indications for their use.