Post-mortem collection of human joint tissues for research

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Anatomical Pathology
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Post-mortem tissue donation is crucial for advancing research in joint diseases and treatments.
• Establishing efficient protocols for obtaining post-mortem tissues is essential for research continuity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of collecting post-mortem knee joint tissues (bone, cartilage, soft tissue) from deceased donors for research purposes.
• To determine the success rate and challenges associated with obtaining informed consent from next of kin for tissue donation.

Main Methods:

• A feasibility study involving approaching next of kin via bereavement officers and study nurses to obtain written consent for knee joint tissue collection.
• Data extraction from medical records was performed concurrently with tissue collection.
• The study was conducted over a 4-month period at King's Mill Hospital Bereavement Centre.

Main Results:

• Out of 259 families approached, 36 met with the study nurse, and 10 provided consent for tissue collection.
• The consent process required approximately 1 hour of direct contact per participant.
• Male donors were significantly more likely than non-donors (90% vs. 49%, P < 0.01).
• Similar proportions of donors and non-donors underwent coroner's post-mortem examinations (20% vs. 19%).

Conclusions:

• Post-mortem knee joint tissue collection for research is feasible.
• A skilled, well-coordinated, multidisciplinary team is vital for successful tissue procurement.
• Tissue collection can be achieved even when a post-mortem examination is not otherwise required.