Chinese Journal of Clinical Anatomy ›› 2019, Vol. 37 ›› Issue (3): 344-346.doi: 10.13418/j.issn.1001-165x.2019.03.021

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Application of the vacuum infusion technique in bone specimens’ preservation

LI Qing-yun1, ZHAO Zi-rui1, WEN Chu-qi1, Wang Sen1, Sadam-Yusan1, PAN Ai-hua2   

  1. 1. Class of 2015, five-year clinical medicine, Xiangya Medical School, Central South University; 2.Department of Human Anatomy and Neurobiology, Xiangya Medical School, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
  • Received:2019-01-16 Online:2019-05-25 Published:2019-06-14

Abstract: Objective This study aims to increase the accessibility and the life spans of bone specimens and to overcome the shortcomings of the polyurethane resin painting method that is widely used in bone specimen preservation. Methods Bone specimens of a male donor were first dried, and then immersed into the HZ-806A/HZ-806B two-component transparent epoxy resin for vacuum infusion. Then, the specimens were put into a mixed solution with a ethanol to glycerol ratio of 2:1 in weight for solidifying for 12 hours. After that, all specimens were moved into anhydrous ethanol to remove the glycerol component and then dried in the air. Last, the changes of the compact bone and the spongy bone were evaluated comprehensively with the aspects of appearance, anatomical features and physical properties. Results The cured transparent epoxy resin filled the space around bone trabecula in the spongy bone, and formed a hard, glossy, and transparent film on the surface of the bones, improving the hardness, toughness, safety, and color of the bone specimens. According to the statistical results, the average gaining weight rate of all specimens was 80.3%. Conclusion The vacuum infusion technique has a prominent advantage in bone processing, especially for the brittle bones that are hard to be utilized. Hopefully, this method will serve as a new common technical means for skeleton preservation.

Key words: Bone specimen,  Vacuum infiltration,  Epoxy resin,  Protective measures

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