Radiological and histopathological examination of apparent lytic lesions in allograft long bones-No cause for concern.

OBJECTIVE: Identify the nature of apparent lytic lesions within human allograft specimens from patients with no known malignancy, using radiological and histopathological analysis. METHODS: 123 Post-retrieval radiographs from 23 donors were examined. Sixty-seven radiographs were noted to show apparent lytic lesions. The number, size, character and position of the apparent lesions were recorded. RESULTS: CT scanning of 9 specimens confirmed the lesions to be of air pockets causing artefact. Histopathological analysis showed no malignant or pathological process. CONCLUSIONS: Apparent lesions were not pathological. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Specimens with similar appearances, in donors with no malignancy, can be safely used in donation.