[In vitro study of formalin-fixed bone tissues for allogeneic bone grafting].

Objective: To conduct an in vitro study to assess the preliminary possibility of using formalin-fixed, instead of fresh, human bone tissues for allografting.

Methods: Fresh cadaveric bone tissues were fixed by formalin for more than 6 months and dissected into 5 mmx5 mmx5 mm pieces and 5 mmx5 mmx40 mm sticks, followed by chemical treatments to prepare the allograft bone materials. When alls treatments were completed, the bone grafts were centrifuged and their properties and cellular compatibility assessed in comparison with the currently used bone grafts clinically.

Results: The residual formaldehyde of the fixed allograft bone material was much below the controlled level and no significant differences were noted between the bone graft materials tested in regard to the chemical and mechanical properties and biocompatibility.

Conclusion: This material we have prepared may meet the clinical demands for bone grafting, with good biocompatibility and less chance for infection by pathological agents.