Salvaged femoral heads banked for re-use. Excellent bone replacement in revision of prosthetic surgery
Aspenberg, P.
Lakartidningen 96(8): 870-874
1999
ISSN/ISBN: 0023-7205 PMID: 10089730 Document Number: 499852
Morsellized and compacted femoral heads salvaged after hip arthroplasty constitute an excellent bone replacement material. Access to this material has substantially improved prognosis following replacement of loosened prostheses, a finding contrary to previous experience with uncompacted bone grafts and for which only hypothetical explanations are available. Although bank bone is a material without manifest value beyond its material properties, it is sometimes referred to as a transplant, a usage that has resulted in its occasional use under the misapprehension that it will promote bone repair, which may cause problems. Otherwise, bank bone is more or less innocuous and is not associated with a greater risk of viral infection transmission than is blood transfusion. The article provides a review of the biological effects to be expected of bank bone implants, how the risk of infection can be avoided, and which indications are appropriate.