Radiological assessment of bone segments for transplantation: experience at Rizzoli Orthopedic Institute.

Aim: To analyse results obtained from radiological assessment of skeletal segments stored in the musculoskeletal tissue bank (MTB) at Rizzoli Orthopaedic Institute.

Materials And Methods: Between January 1997 and June 2003, 891 bone segments underwent radiographic examination in two views. Two hundred and thirteen of these segments were examined by a radiologist between July 2002 and June 2003. Diagnostic evaluation was aimed at recognising relevant degenerative, traumatic and focal lesions. Focal lesions underwent histological tests.

Results: Twenty-two lytic lesions were found in 12 segments. Ten of these were studied between July 2002 and June 2003 and two in the period before specialist radiological assessment. In the latter cases the lesions were identified by the orthopedic specialist who had examined the X-rays before planning surgery. Histological tests showed that the bone tissue was normal or involved by degenerative phenomena.

Conclusions: We think donor screening should include radiological assessment of bone segments, performed according to standard parameters by a radiologist to identify bone lesions that may jeopardise the successful outcome of surgery.