Hand Surgeon Perspectives on Upper Extremity Allograft: A Survey of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand.

Introduction: Allograft tissue products have widespread applications across surgical specialties, but little data exist about surgeon attitudes toward the use of these products in the upper extremity.
Methods: Using a web-based survey, we sought to investigate the use of and feelings toward allograft products among hand surgeons. A short questionnaire was distributed to all active members of American Society for Surgery of the Hand as of October 2015 (N = 2,578). Demographic and practice setting information was collected. Additionally, questions concerning the use of human allograft tissue products of various types including bone, skin, and soft tissues were asked.
Results: Of 2,578 American Society for Surgery of the Hand members, 406 hand surgeons (15.8%) responded to the survey. A large majority (92%) reported having used allograft products in the upper extremity. Orthopedic-trained surgeons were more likely to have used bone and tendon allograft, whereas plastic and general surgery-trained surgeons were more likely to have used nerve and dermis allograft. Reduced donor site morbidity and complication rates were factors motivating surgeons to use allograft tissue.
Conclusions: In spite of variation with respect to their use, allograft tissue products are popular and interest in new products, especially to improve flexor tendon pulley reconstruction, is high.
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