Il trapianto di tessuto muscoloscheletrico: Le normative italiane ed europee

Over the last few years the laws regarding homologous human tissue grafts and transplants have gradually improved and have been clarified, permitting a more liberal use in all surgical fields. Transplantation of cells and tissues of human origin is a field in rapid growth, which offers great potentiality in the management and cure of otherwise incurable pathologies. The term "tissue" is defined as a non-vital part of the organism, such as skin, cardiac valve, cornea, bone, tendons and vascular segments. Tissue donation is possible both from cadaver, with or without a beating heart, or from living donors, in the case of surgical removal, for the purpose of substitution of the tissue itself. Taking of human tissue represents, therefore, a decisive factor for the success of the procedures of clinical use, guaranteeing its safety, suitability and gratuitous nature. National and European legislation define the organization and operative procedure to achieve such objectives. A study group in 2001 determined the guidelines for the taking, conservation, utilization and use of skeletal muscle tissue, which follow the instructions of the European Association of Tissue Banks and of the American Association of Tissue Banks. Two more guidelines were issued in 2003 by the National Transplant Centre which determined with greater detail the instructions contained in the initial guidelines.