A cost effective and user friendly method for procurement of bones from formalin fixed specimens- a pilot study

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Original Article

Author Details : Vaishali M. Paranjape, Swati R. Pandhare, BH Bahetee, Anjan Gaikwad

Volume : 4, Issue : 4, Year : 2017

Article Page : 558-561

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Abstract

Introduction: The Knowledge of Anatomy gained from hard part demonstration classes in 1^st year MBBS needs to be stressed because of its importance in surgical, medical, radiological and medico legal practice. Traditional method of burying the bones and letting the nature do its work is the best way of procuring bones. This trusted and time tested method of procuring bones by burial is safe but time consuming and requires safe burial grounds which are available in very few institutes. With increase in number of Health Sciences Institutes, there is ever increasing need of human bones for teaching purposes. To curtail the ever increasing demand of bones, the left over parts of Formalin fixed cadavers at the end of 1^st year MBBS dissection schedule available in the department of Anatomy are used to procure bones.
Materials and Method: The method is as follows: (1). Bones are freed of soft tissue by grossly cutting the attached soft tissue followed by scraping after immersion in tap water for 3 to 4 hours. (2). Bones are then immersed in solution of washing soda for 18 to 20 hours. (3). Scraped again to remove the remaining soft tissue and left in tap water for 4 to 5 hours. (4). Bones are now immersed in hydrogen peroxide solution for 24 hours. After removing from hydrogen peroxide, (5).bones are air dried for 2 to 3 days or more depending on atmospheric conditions. (6). Painted with turpentine.
Results and Discussion: 27 bones were procured in 30 to 36 working hours with very well preserved morphological features.
Conclusion: Bones procured are in natural state with all morphological features very well preserved. Expenditure incurred for making entire set of bones would be approximately 2000 to 2500 INR. Cost of artificial bone set available in market ranges from 10000 to 16500 INR and these artificial bones do not have good morphological details. The in house method is cost effective, user friendly and quick.

Keywords: Procuring bones, Anatomy class, Formalin fixed specimens

How to cite : Paranjape V M, Pandhare S R, Bahetee B, Gaikwad A, A cost effective and user friendly method for procurement of bones from formalin fixed specimens- a pilot study. Indian J Clin Anat Physiol 2017;4(4):558-561

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