Biological principles of bone graft healing

Bone graft healing is a sequential process involving inflammation, revascularization, osteogenesis, remodeling, and incorporation into the host skeleton to form a mechanically efficient structure. Successful incorporation is determined by the histocompatibility between host and donor. Although there is no antigenicity toward autografts, allogeneic bone may provoke an immune response. This response can be reduced through various bone processing techniques. Overall, autogeneic and allogeneic bone transfers proceed to satisfactory results.