Is a bone graft painful?

Pain is one of the most common risks with a bone graft, according to Healthline. While some forms of bone graft are minimally invasive as of 2015, they still require open implantation, reports the Cleveland Clinic.

The size of the bone graft and other factors in the procedure impact the pain and recovery time after operation. Icing and elevating areas of the body involved in the procedure right after surgery can minimize pain and inflammation, according to Healthline. Even when the grafted area is in a cast, ice bags can help. Eating a healthy diet and smoking cessation are also helpful to a faster recovery from a bone graft.