Bone grafts are an innovative type of medical technology that allows individuals with degenerative bone disorders to live a more normal life. According to Global Data reports, the bone grafts and substitutes market size was valued at $3.07 billion in 2022, meaning this technology is being used more and more in spinal surgeries. During the procedure, additional bone or bone-like substances are added between vertebrae so that a solid bone bridge can be formed. Let’s learn more about bone grafting and spinal surgery below.
What Is a Bone Graft?
A bone graft is a type of surgical procedure that consists of living cells or proteins that could start the bone fusion process. A graft can also provide the scaffold or framework to initiate the growth of new bone. There are over half a million of these procedures done each year in the U.S., per the National Library of Medicine. This procedure can start a bone fusion process that consists of three steps.
Bone absorption is the first step once osteoclast cells are activated, as this is the breakdown of bone tissue. This creates tiny cavities in the bone’s surface. Next, there is bone formation. In this step, the osteoblast cells will start to occupy these cavities, which results in the deposit of fresh layers of new bone. The last step is bone remodeling, where the graft will be successfully absorbed. As new bone tissue is continuously laid down, the graft becomes a new bone or section of bone.
Who Benefits From Bone Grafting?
Bone grafts are often used to help individuals who haven’t healed correctly following a fracture. This could include delayed union, malunion, or nonunion. Bone grafting is also used for those who are suffering from bone diseases such as degeneration of the spine. Spinal fusion is a type of bone graft surgery that uses grafting technology to reinforce the structure of the back, creating a more stable spine.
Spinal fusion is accomplished by linking two vertebrae together that can support each other. This is very effective at reducing pain and easing symptoms that interfere with your spinal cord and nerves.
Our team at SurGenTec supplies medical and surgery centers with quality bone grafting technology to perform spine surgeries. Learn more by contacting us today.