[Homologous transplantation of spongiosa. Evaluation following 2 1/2 years]

Sufficient stability in comminuted fractures of the lower limb, in correcting bone axis or in hip surgery can often be achieved only by adjunctive transplantation of cancellous bone. The homologous cancellous bones is cut to chips out of extracted femoral heads and frozen in a bone bank at -30 degrees C. The homologous material is available whether or not the patient himself has enough autologous spongiosa. Establishing a bone bank in a small hospital can be done with small effort and works well, as experience shows. Immunological phenomena do not cause any problems although they are responsible for the prolonged incorporation of homologous spongiosa. Out of 41 cases with such a transplantation 26 showed healing without complications, 5 weak or severe tissue reactions. 2 of 4 patients with existing infections prior to transplantation could be stabilised. 6 patients were infected after implantation of spongiosa. The condition of the soft tissue and the status of immunity in aged persons played an important role. Possibly the number of infections can be reduced by rinsing the spongiosa in antibiotic solution before implantation.