For managing an established aseptic hypertrophic non-union with a persistent gap despite nailing, which graft material is considered the gold standard because it provides osteogenesis, osteoinduction and osteoconduction together?

• A Recombinant BMP-2 on a collagen sponge alone
• B Allogenic freeze-dried cancellous chips
• C Autologous cancellous bone graft from the iliac crest ✓
• D Demineralised bone matrix putty

Explanation

Autologous cancellous iliac crest graft remains the reference standard because it uniquely combines viable osteogenic cells, osteoinductive growth factors, and a conductive trabecular scaffold. Allografts provide conduction and weak induction but lack living cells, demineralised bone matrix is mainly inductive, and recombinant BMP delivers only induction. Each alternative lacks at least one property that autograft supplies in full, which is why it anchors exam answers on bone grafting.

Reference: Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics, 14th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.