LACK OF DONORS BREAKS MANY BONE BANKS

Orthopedic surgeon say that unlike blood and organs, most people are hesitant to pledge bones fearing disfigurement. "This is not true. Not every bone from the body is taken.
We just remove two thigh bones, shin bone and pelvic bones. The rest are left intact. Bone Transplant is needed to replace cancerous or diseased bones for complicated reconstruction or replacement of joints (especially for senior citizens) and loss of part of bone in accident. Bones should be retrieved from cadavers within 2 hours. Bone tissue is procured from patients who undergo total knee and hip replacements and amputations sue to non - salvageable vascular injuries. It is treated with chemicals to remove attached tissues and irradiated and preserved at 80C. Bones can be preserved up to 2 years.

                                                                                                                                                              ( TOI 13 March)