Utilisation of bone allograft by orthopaedic surgeons in Scotland

The use of bone allograft in orthopaedic surgery has been predicted to increase, particularly in joint revision surgery. This has led to a potential problem with supply. Questionnaires were distributed to all 146 Consultant Orthopaedic surgeons working in Scotland in 2000. They were asked to indicate their current usage of bone and tissue allograft, any problems encountered with supply and if alternatives to allograft, such as processed bone, might be used. The questions asked were very similar to those asked in a previous study in 1995 to enable comparisons to be made. Replies were received from 125 Consultants (87%) of whom 93 reported using bone allograft. Forty-one consultants (46%) predicted an increase in their requirement for bone allograft, and 23 (26%) felt they could currently use more bone if this was available. Sixty percent of surgeons would consider using processed bone as an alternative. In comparison with figures from 1995, an increasing number of surgeons are prepared to use processed bone as an alternative to fresh frozen allograft.