Skip to main content
Advanced Technical IVT

interposition graft

A tissue graft placed between two structures to bridge a gap or provide separation.

Full Definition

An interposition graft is a piece of tissue, either autologous, allogenic, or synthetic, that is placed between two anatomical structures to bridge a defect, restore continuity, or provide separation. In plastic surgery, interposition grafts are commonly used in nerve reconstruction to bridge gaps in peripheral nerves, in vascular reconstruction to restore blood flow, or as spacers between structures to prevent adhesions. Common types include nerve grafts (often sural nerve), vein grafts for vascular reconstruction, and fascial grafts for soft tissue separation. The success of interposition grafts depends on proper sizing, tension-free placement, and adequate blood supply.

Usage

Usage note: Describes graft placement between structures; specify graft type and location.

In Context

  • "A sural nerve interposition graft was used to bridge the 4cm gap in the facial nerve." — Nerve reconstruction report
  • "The surgeon placed an interposition graft to prevent adhesion formation between the tendon and overlying skin." — Hand surgery procedure

Also known as

bridge graft interpositional graft

Contrasted with

direct repair primary closure

Don't confuse with

onlay graft inlay graft

Editors from these organisations have used our services since 1998

Reuters BBC Oxford University Press Penguin Random House Springer Microsoft Suncor Energy United Nations Fisher Investments IBM The Home Depot KODAK CHEVRON