Bone Grafts, Substitutes, and Augments in Benign Orthopaedic Conditions Current Concepts

Musculoskeletal tumors are relatively rare diagnoses made by orthopaedic surgeons. While approximately 2,500 primary bone sarcomas are diagnosed annually in the USA, the number of benign orthopaedic tumors encountered annually is far more difficult to quantify. Some studies have documented between 3% and 10% of the general population having benign bony lesions. Many of these conditions can be simply observed, while others will require surgical intervention. Surgical treatments for benign conditions range from a one-step curettage to extensive resection and reconstruction. With treatment of larger lesions, significant bony defects may need to be addressed surgically. Treatment options have evolved over time with the use of various bone graft and bone void fillers, including methyl methacrylate cement, autograft, allograft bone chips, struts and osteoarticular segments, synthetic bone graft substitutes, and metal augments. This review provides an overview of the present status of bone graft, substitutes, and augment options for the orthopaedic surgeon treating benign musculoskeletal conditions.