Which property distinguishes cancellous autograft from cortical autograft in the treatment of non-union?

• A Cancellous graft provides immediate structural strength
• B Both grafts incorporate by creeping substitution at identical rates
• C Cortical graft is purely osteoconductive with no structural role
• D Cancellous graft incorporates faster due to greater surface area and surviving osteogenic cells ✓

Explanation

Cancellous autograft is the gold standard for non-union because its open trabecular structure gives a large surface area, allows rapid revascularisation, and retains some surviving osteogenic cells, so it unites quickly. Its drawback is poor immediate mechanical strength. Cortical graft provides structural support but incorporates slowly by creeping substitution. Cancellous graft offers all three properties: osteogenesis, osteoinduction and osteoconduction.

Reference: Rockwood and Green's Fractures in Adults, 9th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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