What is bone grafting primarily used for in orthopedic procedures?

Bone grafting is primarily utilized in orthopedic procedures to replace or augment missing bone. This is especially relevant in situations where a patient has suffered from trauma, disease, or congenital defects that have resulted in insufficient bone structure. The bone graft serves as a scaffold to facilitate the healing process, which can involve the graft integrating with the patient's existing bone. This process helps restore the structural integrity and functionality of the skeletal system.

While reducing swelling around joints, increasing blood circulation in tissues, and aligning fractured bones are important aspects of orthopedic care, they do not specifically relate to the primary function of bone grafting. Bone grafts focus on restoring or enhancing bone volume and support, making this the key reason for their use in orthopedic interventions.