Bone Graft Substitutes and Allografts for Reconstruction of the Foot and Ankle

In reconstructive foot and ankle surgery, the use of bone graft is common. Whether for trauma, acquired or congenital deformities, arthrodeses, joint replacement, bone loss from infection, or bone tumor resection, the foot and ankle surgeon must be knowledgeable about current bone grafting options to make informed decisions. Innovation and technologic advances have produced an impressive and exciting array of options, advancing us closer to mimicking the gold standard: autograft. However, the sheer volume of available products makes it challenging for the foot and ankle surgeon to stay abreast of current bone graft technology. The purpose of this article is to simplify and classify current bone grafting options, discuss advantages and disadvantages, and provide relevant clinical examples.