American Board of Surgical Assistants (ABSA) Orthopedic Practice Test

What is the solid bone removed from the tibia during bone grafting referred to as?

1. Cortical bone

2. Cancellous bone

3. Spongy bone

4. Compact bone

The correct answer is: Cortical bone

The solid bone removed from the tibia during bone grafting is referred to as cortical bone. This type of bone is dense and forms the outer layer of the bone structure, providing strength and support. Cortical bone is crucial in bone grafting procedures because its structural integrity helps facilitate the process of bone healing and regeneration, making it an ideal choice for grafting to promote new bone formation. Cancellous bone, or spongy bone, has a more porous structure and is found in the interior of bones. While it is also used in some grafting applications due to its ability to promote bone healing, it is not typically the solid piece that would be removed from the tibia in the context described in the question. Spongy bone, while a type of cancellous bone, specifically refers to the network of small, needle-like pieces of bone that can help with weight distribution and is less effective in providing initial structural support than cortical bone. Compact bone is a term often used interchangeably with cortical bone, emphasizing its density and compactness, but in the context of grafting and the options provided, "cortical bone" specifically refers to that solid, outer layer that is harvested.