Radiation Sterilization of Homogenous-Bone Transplants Utilizing Radioactive Cobalt

Abstract
Radioactive cobalt has been proved to be an effective means of sterilizing bone transplants. When combined with a freeze-drying process, radiation sterilization utilizing radioactive cobalt has proved an effective method of maintaining a bone-bank. It has been found that irradiated bone transplants function satisfactorily both experimentally and clinically. In 104 surgical procedures in which irradiated homogenous-bone transplants were used, five postoperative wound infections occurred. The irradiated bone transplants were not felt to be the source of these infections. The encouraging over-all clinical results in 104 operative procedures prompt continued use of irradiated homogenous-bone transplants.

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