OBJECTIVE: Is to evaluate the characteristics of the distribution of these grafts by a Tissue Bank in Brazil. METHODS: Tissue Bank database from September 2006 to June 2008. The characteristics of the recipients were drawn up in the table form. The types of tissue processed were: femoral heads, metaphyseal-epiphyseal bone, cortical bone, flat or short bones and tendons. The intended purpose of the grafts was analyzed, and distribution frequencies were also obtained and analyzed. RESULTS: Altogether, 734 units of fresh-frozen tissue were distributed and transplanted into 683 recipients. In terms of origin of the tissues, 97.9% came from multiple organ donors, and the remainder from living donors. A total of 489 units of cortical bone were transplanted, 137 of metaphyseal-epiphyseal bone, 44 of short or flat bones, 3 of tendon, 29 of particulate bone and 32 femoral heads. The mean age of the recipients was 50.3 years; 59.5% were women and 40.5% men. The tissues were used in orthopedic surgeries in 21.1% of the cases, and in oral and maxillofacial procedures in 78.9%. CONCLUSION: The Tissue Bank has increased the number of distributions in response to the growing demand for tissues, particularly for use in oral and maxillofacial procedures.
Tissue banks; Bone banks; Tissue transplantation; Bone transplantation; Homologous transplantation; Health planning