Effects of Distal Radius Bone Graft Harvest on the Axial Compressive Strength of the Radius

A significant decrease in distal radius ultimate stress occurs when approximately 23% of the metaphyseal cancellous bone is removed through a standardized oval cortical window. When the distal radius is chosen as the bone graft harvest site, we recommend harvest of less than 25% of the total available distal radius metaphyseal cancellous bone to prevent alteration of the load characteristics of the bone.