Effect of different sterilization processing methods on the mechanical properties of human cancellous bone allografts

Use of new sterilization methods applied to human bone is likely to affect both the mechanical and biological properties of human cancellous grafts. The mechanical properties of the transplanted bone inevitably determine the short- and mid-term results of the orthopedic procedure performed. The aim of this study was to compare, under similar conditions, the mechanical effects of gamma irradiation, lipid extraction, and treatment with 6 m urea on trabecular bone samples, through conventional mechanical tests and measurement of the ultrasound wave propagation rate. Deteriorations measured for gamma irradiation and lipid extraction were low: 2.4% and 2.5%, respectively, for ultrasound propagation wave measurements. They were clearly significant for protocol including 6 M urea, corresponding to a loss of 30% in values measured in the control sample for the stress to failure, inciting prudence when grafted bone is used for support in orthopedic assembly. High consistency in the results obtained between travel time of the ultrasound wave, easily done, and measurement of stress to failure through conventional tests, favor the use of ultrasound protocol, described as a quality test performed on bone grafts in the tissue bank before distribution and implantation. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.