Abstract
In the past decades the use of allografts has increased rapidly in the field of orthopaedic surgery. In particular in revision hip arthroplasty allografts are frequently employed. Several reports in the past decades on the transmission of HIV and hepatitis have, however, raised concerns on the safety of allografts. These reports have led to a revision of the standards for tissue banks. The screening of donors’ medical and social history was improved and rigorous testing methods were implemented. Processing methods introduced by tissue banks have further reduced the risk of transmission.
Despite these precautions, however, a recent report of the CDC has again caused for concern regarding the safety of allografts. After receiving allografts from a common source one patient died and another developed a serious infectious complication. These cases make it clear that the use of allografts is still not without risks. Orthopaedics should be aware of these risks but should also be familiar with the measures taken by tissue banks to reduce these. Only then can the surgeon decide whether he should use an allograft for a specific indication and more important which graft he should select.
This presentation will provide an overview of measures that may be taken by tissue banks to reduce the risk of disease transmission. Also, suggestions are made for orthopaedic surgeons for the selection of an appropriate graft from a safety point of view.
Theses abstracts were prepared by Professor Dr. Frantz Langlais. Correspondence should be addressed to him at EFORT Central Office, Freihofstrasse 22, CH-8700 Küsnacht, Switzerland.
