What is the standard care following autograft harvest from the calcaneus?

What is the standard care following autograft harvest from the calcaneus?

• A. NWB 6-8 weeks
• B. Immediate weight bearing
• C. Partial weight bearing for 2 weeks
• D. Immobilization for 12 weeks

Answer: (A)

Protection of the donor site is the priority after calcaneal bone graft harvest. The calcaneus is weightbearing, and removing graft material weakens the bone, so early loading can lead to fracture, persistent pain, or delayed donor-site healing. Non-weight bearing for about 6–8 weeks gives the harvest site time to heal and consolidate before any load is placed on it, reducing complication risk and supporting overall recovery. Immobilization with a boot or cast helps control motion at the harvest site and manage pain during this healing phase. After this period, gradual weight bearing can be considered as healing progresses, but the initial protection window of roughly six to eight weeks is the standard approach. Options that suggest immediate weight bearing, partial weight bearing for only a short period, or a much longer immobilization would either fail to protect the donor site adequately or impose unnecessary restrictions without added benefit.

Protection of the donor site is the priority after calcaneal bone graft harvest. The calcaneus is weightbearing, and removing graft material weakens the bone, so early loading can lead to fracture, persistent pain, or delayed donor-site healing. Non-weight bearing for about 6–8 weeks gives the harvest site time to heal and consolidate before any load is placed on it, reducing complication risk and supporting overall recovery.

Immobilization with a boot or cast helps control motion at the harvest site and manage pain during this healing phase. After this period, gradual weight bearing can be considered as healing progresses, but the initial protection window of roughly six to eight weeks is the standard approach.

Options that suggest immediate weight bearing, partial weight bearing for only a short period, or a much longer immobilization would either fail to protect the donor site adequately or impose unnecessary restrictions without added benefit.