[Analysis of the possibility of transmitting the human immunodeficiency virus when using cartilage grafts]

Allogenic cartilage represents an important source of tissue for reconstructive surgery in the head and neck. The use of allografts is now being discussed because of the possible transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The purpose of this study was to investigate the susceptibility and permissivity of cartilage tissue to HIV-1, in order to analyze the possibility of a HIV-transmission through cartilage allografting.