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

Abstract 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.