Bone Grafting and Bone Healing After Trauma – Explained Simply By Dr. Kashyap Solanki – Orthopaedic & Trauma Surgeon, Mumbai.

When a bone breaks, the body begins an amazing process of healing itself. But in some severe fractures or after high-impact trauma, the bone may not heal on its own. That’s where bone grafting comes in — a surgical technique that helps the bone fill the gap, heal faster, and regain strength.

Let’s understand this step-by-step in simple terms.

1. What Happens When a Bone Breaks

After a fracture, your body starts repairing itself:

1. Inflammation phase (0–7 days): The area swells, and the body sends healing cells.

2. Repair phase (2–6 weeks): New soft bone tissue (callus) begins to form.

3. Remodeling phase (months): The new bone hardens and reshapes to its original form.

If the bone ends are not close enough — or blood supply is poor — this natural process slows down or stops, leading to non-union (when the bone doesn’t heal).

2. What Is Bone Grafting?

Bone grafting means placing healthy bone tissue into the damaged area to help the bone heal.This graft acts as a scaffold, allowing new bone cells to grow and bridge the gap.

There are three main types:

• Autograft: Bone taken from your own body (usually from the hip or pelvis).

• Allograft: Bone from a donor (sterilized and safe).

• Synthetic grafts: Man-made materials that mimic bone structure and promote healing.

3. When Is Bone Grafting Needed?

Bone grafts are used in cases such as:

• Delayed or non-healing fractures (non-union)

• Bone loss due to trauma or infection

• After tumor removal

• During joint or spinal fusion surgeries

In trauma, bone grafting helps restore missing bone segments and gives structural support.

4. How Bone Grafting Helps Healing

Bone grafts:

• Stimulate new bone formation

• Provide a framework for cells to grow

• Restore strength and stability to the injured area

Over time, your body replaces the graft with natural bone — a process called bone remodeling.

5. Recovery and Results

After bone grafting:

• The limb is immobilized in a cast or fixator for several weeks.

• Gradual physiotherapy restores movement and strength.

• Full healing may take 3–6 months depending on age, health, and fracture type.

With proper care, most patients regain full bone strength and function.

Insight

“Bone grafting is like giving your bone a helping hand to heal itself. Modern grafting techniques have made complex trauma recovery faster, safer, and more predictable.”

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About Dr. Kashyap Prabhu Solanki & Dr. Prabhu Solanki

Orthopaedic Surgeon – Andheri, Mumbai

Dr. Kashyap Solanki specializes in hip and knee replacement, robotic-assisted knee surgery, and joint preservation procedures like HTO, arthroscopy, and ligament reconstruction. He is also known for performing complex revision joint replacements and managing challenging upper and lower limb fractures. With a focus on precision and patient-centered care, Dr. Solanki helps restore mobility and improve quality of life through advanced orthopaedic solutions.

With over four decades of distinguished orthopaedic practice, Dr. Prabhu Solanki stands as one of Mumbai’s most experienced and respected orthopaedic surgeons. Having treated more than 40,000 patients and performed over 10,000 surgeries, his clinical outcomes and dedication have earned him widespread recognition — not just in Mumbai, but across India and abroad.

Dr. Solanki’s reputation for precision, ethical care, and long-term results has brought him patients from all over India, as well as international patients seeking high-quality orthopaedic treatment and surgical expertise in Mumbai.

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