[Osteogenetic induction (critical comments to the concept "bone graft") (author's transl)]

The author makes an attempt to prove the following facts on the basis of his histological studies: 1. The mechanical process of cutting out small bone fragments from the outer cortex of the long bones of fragments from the outer cortex of the long bones of living humans results in an immediate devitalisation or emptying of the lacunae. 2. In almost 74% of the cases, there is an emptying of the lacunae or absence of the mature osteocytes, as well as degeneration--albeit to a varying degree--in almost 95% of the remaining osteocytes. 3. These facts, i.e. immediate devitalisation of these small fragments of living bones, prompted the author to question the expression "bone graft", even with free or floating bone fragments taken from the same patient, i.e. also with the socalled autogenic or autologus bone grafts. 4. Transplanting or grafting a living bone fragment from the donor area to a recipient area will stimulate the recipient area to form new bones. In this manner, it is possible to achieve osteogenetic induction, and expression which respresents the course of facts with biological accuracy. 5. The mature osteocyte does not participate as a living cell in the osteogenetic process of rehabilitation, does not multiply, and dies. 6. The new bone is shaped by the recipient and not by the grafted bone of the donor.