Biological tissues for surgical implants

γ-irradiation is now being used extensively to safely and economically sterilize human and animal tissues for use in implant surgery, and the treatment of burns, particularly bone, cartilage, skin, dura mater, fascia lata and amnion. The practice of establishing Human Multi-tissue Banks is growing rapidly, and IAEA has initiated a coordinated programme to transfer this relatively low technology within South East Asia. The advantages of indigenous production for developing countries, particularly, are a reduced dependence on expensive commercial sources, and improved basic health care. Sterilization using γ-irradiation is also the method of choice for the commercial products now available. (author). 25 refs, 5 tabs