Whole Bones & Shaft Sections

Shafts and whole bones are tissues that are generally not possible to obtain as autografts. They are most commonly used for replacement of large bone sections affected by osteosarcoma in an effort to avoid amputation (limb-sparing procedure). They are also used in other situations where there is significant bone loss. These grafts are aseptically procured and processed. The periosteal and soft tissues are thoroughly removed and, if accessible, the marrow compartment is cleaned and lavaged. They are treated with antibiotics, rinsed, measured directly, cultured and packaged. We can also create custom made grafts for specific applications.

Advantages

  • Available in different sizes.
  • Not generally available as autograft.
  • Can be trimmed to fit recipient site.
  • Completely natural, biological repair – fuses with, and eventually replaced by, the recipient’s own bone.

Common Applications

  • Limb-sparing (e.g., osteosarcoma cases)
  • Significant bone loss (e.g., gun shot wounds, tumor)
  • Fracture repair (e.g., non-unions with substantial resorption)
  • Extensive cartilage loss or damage

Composition

Shaft sections are whole bone grafts that have one or both of the physes (ends) removed.

Whole bone grafts are intact, full length bone grafts.

Osteochondral allografts are fresh stored bone allografts with a viable cartilage surface. We use preservation methods for such grafts that have been developed and used for many years in human tissue banks. Additionally, vital dye assessments are performed on the day of shipping to document and report the viability of the chondrocytes in the allograft. The dimensions should be custom matched for your patient. Please call directly to discuss sizing and options.

Sizing: We have direct physical measurements of length and mid shaft diameter. When you provide us with radiographic measurements and physical characteristics (e.g. ideal weight) from your particular patient, we will identify the most closely matching options in our inventory.

Storage

Shaft sections and whole bones should be kept frozen (at least at -20°C) until ready for use. If stored at -20°C (or in a standard household freezer), they should be used within 6 months of receipt. If stored at -40°C or colder, the grafts can be stored for 5 years.