Clinical implications of cell function in osteogenesis. A reappraisal of bone-graft surgery.

Although fresh cancellous bone autografts are considered to be the best material for clinical bone grafting, there are times when there is insufficient, or it is undesirable to use this source, for the bone replacement required. There is a need for a 'bone bank'. On the basis of printed reports, clinical observation, and experimental studies it is argued that bone formation can be stimulated and controlled using easily prepared and stored 'bone-bank' materials in combination with living cells from the recipient requiring bone formation.