COMPARISON OF VARIOUS MACERATION TECHNIQUES FOR COLLECTION OF HUMAN BONES IN ANATOMY DEPARTMENT

Abstract

Objectives: To compare diff erent maceration processes in terms of efficacy, efficiency, and destructiveness.

Materials and Methods: Four techniques were used to clean the bones, following dissection the samples were buried for a period of two years in the department's burial area. Following the excavation, the bones were cleaned; the dismembered portions were manually de-fleshed. The bones were released from the joints. In the first technique, the bones were immersed in detergent  for 24 hours following excavation. The second approach involved dipping bones into a liquid lime solution. In the third technique hydrogen peroxide was used to chemically cure the bones. In the fourth technique 30% hydrogen peroxide and baking soda were combined to create a paste.  Applying this, bones were coated for 24 hours. All the four techniques were compared.

Results: The procedure utilizing 30% H2O2 was the best in terms of maceration duration, ease of soft tissue removal, and successful procurement with little damage. The new technique, which involved application of paste was made of baking soda and H2O2 was effective and efficient for smaller specimens. It didn't take very long and with almost no damage to the bones.

Conclusion: Excellent results were obtained with maceration using 30% H2O2. The newly developed approach worked well for small specimens and save time. The removal of soft tissue was simple and caused no or little bone damage.