American Board of Surgical Assistants (ABSA) Orthopedic Practice Test

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Prepare for the ABSA Orthopedic Test with in-depth questions and explanations. Use flashcards and quizzes to excel in your exam!

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What type of bone graft is taken from the patient’s tibia for use in fracture repair?

  1. Allograft

  2. Autogenous cortical graft

  3. Bone substitute

  4. Composite graft

The correct answer is: Autogenous cortical graft

The correct choice pertains to an autogenous cortical graft, which is a type of bone graft harvested from the patient's own body—in this case, specifically from the tibia. This practice is often employed to support healing in fracture repair. Using autogenous grafts is advantageous because they contain living cells, growth factors, and the structural integrity necessary for optimal healing. Their biological compatibility significantly reduces the risk of rejection compared to grafts from a donor or synthetic materials, making them the gold standard in many orthopedic procedures. In the context of fracture repair, autogenous cortical grafts can provide not only mechanical support but also promote biological healing due to their inherent properties. The tibia is commonly chosen as a donor site because it is relatively accessible and can provide the necessary graft material without significant morbidity to the patient. Other types of grafts mentioned, such as allografts (from a cadaver), bone substitutes (synthetic materials), and composite grafts (which may consist of a combination of graft types), do not leverage the same advantages associated with autogenous grafts derived from the patient's own tissue.