Fundamentals in Bone Transplantation

It must be granted that surgical technic in all instances should be formulated and devised to meet the most unfavorable cases. This is particularly true in the case of the bone graft. Here the technic should be so devised that results may be had in cases of longstanding pseudarthrosis, and in satisfactory percentages in large numbers. The relative merits of different technics may not be disclosed in their application to a few cases, whereas in 1,000 cases, for instance, they would be forcibly apparent. From the essential biologic, physiologic and mechanical standpoints, the technic and fundamentals of application should measure up to the following requirements: The graft should be autogenous. The graft should be so placed and contacted that conditions are favorable to the early and sufficient establishment of blood supply. This can best be accomplished by generous contact of the marrow of the graft with the marrow of the