Indications for allografts

The use of allografts in orthopaedic knee reconstruction continues to gain popularity. Approximately 1 million musculoskeletal allografts were distributed in the United Sates in 2004 alone. Allografts are used to treat knee ligament instabilities, but have also been used in meniscal and osteochondral transplantation. Allografts have definite advantages, including the lack of donor site morbidity, shorter operative times, ease of sizing, a lack of clinically significant immunologic reactions, and good results in clinical studies [1]. These advantages must be weighed against the potential risks for bacterial and viral infection, which continue to be associated with their use despite modem tissue procurement methods.