Lipid oxidation may reduce the quality of a fresh-frozen bone allograft. Is the approved storage temperature too high?

Abstract

Background: International standards indicate that bone allografts for human use should be stored in a -40°C or colder environment and the storage time should be up to 5 years. Bone allografts contain lipids which oxidate and become toxic with time. Material and methods: We determined lipid oxidation in femoral head bone allografts by headspace gas chromatography at different storage temperatures and storage times. Results: We found that lipid oxidation in fresh-frozen bone allograft was influenced by storage temperature and storage time. Lipid oxidation was significantly more rapid at -30°C than at -70°C. Even at -70°C, however, some oxidation occurred but it was quite minimal after 3 years. Interpretation: Because of the negative effects of lipid oxidation, we recommend a storage temperature of -70°C or lower for bone allografts. Copyright© Taylor & Francis 2006.