RTI
Biologics Inc. (RTI) (Nasdaq: RTIX), the Florida-based processor of
orthopedic, dental, hernia and other biologic implants, donated nearly
500 spinal allografts to AIC-CURE International Children’s Hospital in
Kijabe, Kenya this week.
The allograft implants will be used for spinal fusions to treat
congenital spinal deformities, limb defects and vertebral reconstruction
for tuberculosis infection in Kenyan children. Without surgical
reconstruction, spines affected by tuberculosis often collapse and
paralyze those affected. In addition, limb defects and impediments make
life difficult and limit opportunities for these children to grow and
reach their full potential.
“This donation has allowed us to reach new heights of surgical
reconstruction in Kenya,” said Timothy C. Mead, MD, medical director of
CURE Kenya. “Without RTI’s support, our potential would not be as great
and fewer children would have their lives transformed through successful
surgery.”
AIC-CURE International Children’s Hospital has provided life-changing
surgeries to more than 22,000 Kenyan children since 1998.
“Our mission at RTI is to improve lives through biologic solutions to
achieve life-restoring and life-saving results,” said Brian K.
Hutchison, chairman and CEO for RTI. “Through the generous gift of
tissue donation, RTI is able to provide these allografts to children in
need.”
Allograft is tissue surgically transplanted from one person to another.
Most allograft tissue is recovered surgically after someone dies; the
donor must have consented to the donation before death or the donor’s
family must consent after death. Tissue transplantation can have many
benefits for recipients including repairing tissue defects caused by
trauma or disease, restoring mobility and regaining independence in
daily activities.
Allografts are used as an alternative to synthetic and metal implants.
However, unlike synthetic or metal implants, allografts are a natural
and biocompatible scaffold, allowing the recipient’s body to remodel it
into his or her own tissue over time. Using allograft tissue rather than
an autograft - or tissue from one’s own body - eliminates a second
surgical site, allowing the recipient to avoid additional pain, risk and
a possible longer hospital stay.
RTI honors the gift of tissue donation by treating the tissue with
respect, by finding new ways to use the tissue to help patients and by
helping as many patients as possible from each donation.
Source RTI
Biologics Inc.
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