Like the blood bank and eye bank, of which we generally hear, we also have bone banks. Not much of this is heard and even donors are not there. And still the need is there.
In its 18-year existence the bank at AIIMS, Delhi, has got only 32 donations, and none at all in the past two years. The number of patients needing bone grafts due to cancer, infection or injury has increased to 150-200 a year meanwhile.
"Those requiring small grafts are helped with residual bones collected from routine surgeries. For example, when a hip replacement is done we have to cut some of the bone to place metallic implants. it is saved for use in needy patients," said Dr Rajesh Malhotra, professor of orthopaedics at AIIMS who started the bone bank in 1999. "For bigger grafts, say the pelvic bone, thigh bone or the knee cap, cadaver donation is the only source." Metallic replacements are available, but too expensive for most patients.
May be when this awareness is created more donors step in. Read more of this in a report by Durgesh Nandand Jha published in Times of India.....
