Understanding Your Decision
Patients
While the human body is amazingly resilient, it can sometimes be pushed beyond its limits. If your doctor has told you that you need a tissue implant to repair damage done to your body, we have some reassuring news.
At RTI Biologics, we have provided more than four million implants with zero incidence of implant-associated infection. Yet we understand that you probably have many questions.
What is an allograft?
An allograft is tissue taken from one person for transplantation into another. This can include bone, tendons, ligaments, skin and heart valves.
Allografts have been used successfully in various medical procedures for more than 150 years. About one million allografts are transplanted every year in the United States. To learn more, visit AllograftInfo.com.
Where does the tissue come from?
Tissue donation is a gift given to enhance the quality of life for others. It is strictly voluntary; the donor must have consented before death or the donor’s family must consent to the donation after death.
After consent is obtained, potential donors are thoroughly screened for risk factors and medical conditions that would rule out donation. This screening includes interviews with family members, evaluation of medical and hospital records, and a physical assessment of the donor.
Recovery of the tissue is performed with respect for the donor using surgical techniques.
What are the benefits of allografts?
Allografts are a natural alternative to synthetic and metal implants. However, unlike synthetic or metal implants, allografts incorporate into your body.
A surgeon’s only other choice is called an autograft, which takes tissues from one part of your body for transplantation to another part. Using an allograft eliminates the need for a second surgery site to recover autograft tissue. By eliminating this second surgery site, allografts help avoid additional pain, risk and a possible longer hospital stay.
It is important to discuss any questions or concerns with your physician before your surgery.
| Type of graft | Incorporation into your body? | Second surgery site needed? |
| Allograft | Yes | No |
| Autograft | Yes | Yes |
| Synthetic | No | No |
How safe are allografts?
RTI allografts are sterilized, just like other medical devices used in surgeries.* RTI uses three different validated sterilization methods that have been designed for use with particular graft types. These include the BioCleanse® Tissue Sterilization Process, Tutoplast® Tissue Sterilization Process and Cancelle™ SP DBM Sterilization Process. Not all companies can match the level of tissue safety offered through RTI. When receiving an allograft implant, be sure to ask your surgeon for tissue from RTI Biologics.
For more information on RTI’s commitment to tissue safety, visit the Why is Tissue Safety Important page.
* Fresh-stored osteochondral allografts are cleansed, processed and preserved to maintain chondrocyte viability, and therefore are not sterilized through one of these processes.