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Methods to Enable Spatial Transcriptomics of Bone Tissues

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Ethylene oxide gas sterilization: a simple technique for storing explanted skull bone. Technical note.

David H Jho¹, Sergey Neckrysh, Julian Hardman

¹Neurosurgical Service, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.

Journal of Neurosurgery

|August 19, 2007

Summary

Ethylene oxide (EtO) gas sterilization and room temperature storage of autologous bone grafts are effective for cranioplasty. Bone flaps preserved over 10 months showed increased infection risk, suggesting discarding or resterilizing them.

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Area of Science:

Neurosurgery
Biomaterials Science
Sterilization Technology

Background:

Decompressive craniectomy is a critical neurosurgical procedure.
Autologous bone grafts are frequently used for reconstructive cranioplasty.
Effective and safe graft preservation methods are essential for successful reconstruction.

Purpose of the Study:

To evaluate the effectiveness of ethylene oxide (EtO) gas sterilization and room temperature storage for autologous bone grafts used in cranioplasty.
To determine the optimal preservation time for autologous bone grafts to minimize infection risk.
To assess the aesthetic and functional outcomes of cranioplasty using this graft preservation technique.

Main Methods:

Retrospective analysis of 103 patients undergoing cranioplasty after decompressive craniectomy.
Autologous bone grafts were cleansed, sealed in pouches, EtO gas sterilized, and stored at room temperature.
Follow-up included clinical assessment and computed tomography (CT) scans.

Main Results:

92.2% of patients achieved excellent aesthetic and functional results with single-stage reconstruction.
A bone flap infection rate of 7.8% was observed.
Preservation intervals exceeding 10 months significantly increased the risk of flap infection (OR 10.8, p=0.02).

Conclusions:

EtO gas sterilization and room temperature storage is an effective method for preserving autologous bone grafts for cranioplasty.
Bone flaps preserved for over 10 months should be discarded or re-sterilized to reduce infection risk.
This technique is feasible for institutions with EtO gas sterilization capabilities.