Application of frozen and radiation-sterilised bone allografts for treatment of bone cysts.

Between 1981 and 1998 frozen and radiation sterilized bone allografts were transplanted into 1376 patients at the Institute of Traumatology, Orthopaedic and Neurosurgery of the Military School of Medicine in Warsaw. Of these 179 (13%) required treatment due to benign tumours. Incidence of solitary cysts was highest (127 cases, 71%), mainly occurring in children (84%). During surgery bone cysts were excised and filled by bone grafts. Results were evaluated several years after surgery (2-10 yrs) using x-rays and clinical examination. Rebuilding of allografts was one of the most important prognostic factors. Within the period of observation time 83% of transplanted allografts were rebuilt and substituted by own patients bone.