Grafting bones sounds like a very complicated procedure and it seems to be more painful for a child to take part of a bone from another part of the body to do this. Is there no other option?
Sometimes, doctors must graft bone on to bone to either replace missing bone or to stabilize bone that is there. Traditionally, bone from another site is taken, but as you say, it can be complicated and painful. In addition, taking some bone involves yet another incision and can result in extra complications, such as infection. Researchers are trying to come up with options and some of these options, such as a substance called bone morphogenetic protein, are getting good results with adults. As they become more popular, doctors are starting to use them in children, although more research needs to be done to ensure that it is safe for them.
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