@misc { , title = {Use of human tissue for transplantation: ethical and legal issues.}, abstract = {Currently, human bone is a commonly used material to help promote fusion of the vertebrae. The bone can be the recipient’s own bone (autograft) or allograft bone, where bone is donated from another individual [1]. The use of or human tissue or a combination of human tissue and synthetic bone graft material (allograft) to correct spinal deformities is becoming more common [2]. The use of an allograft composed of human tissue, eliminates the need to harvest the recipient’s own bone from elsewhere in their body, which is often not possible and has associated complications [3] Delong et al., [4] describe the different types of bone graft materials available as; dematerialised bone matrix, bone morphogenic proteins and bone graft substitutes which can be subdivided into processed allografts or fresh frozen allografts. In commenting on these materials they identify the major risk of disease transmission when fresh frozen allografts are used [4]. Similarly, Conrad et al., [5] reports the risk of hepatitis C transmission as a result of the use of allografts, highlighting that the transmission of bacterial and viral infection is a significant risk of allograft procedures. A fundamental tenet underpinning the treatment of patients using allograft is the informed consent process applied to the treatment of the patient offered by the healthcare professional. Informed consent allows people to protect themselves and take responsibility for shaping their lives as they see fit [8]. A World Health Organisation International Working Group [6] (Appendix I) in reviewing the application of the guiding principles on Human Organ Transplantation, reiterated the primacy of informed consent for the removal and use of human organs, tissues and cells, calling for the development of common, medical, scientific, legal and ethical requirements on a global basis [7]. Informed consent allows people to protect themselves and take responsibility for shaping their lives as they see fit. [8]. The ethical principles of self-determination and the requirement for autonomous decision making in consent to treatment which include the receipt of any organ, tissues or cells, has to underpin the use of an allograft in all patient care. Self determination must include information on any risks posed by treatment to allow the individual to weigh up these risks and make an informed choice whether to accept or decline the treatment offered.}, isbn = {978-1-62618-853-2}, pages = {149-168}, publicationstatus = {Published}, url = {http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/id/eprint/7777}, keyword = {610.73 Nursing, RT Nursing, Human bone, transplants, autograft, allograft, human tissue, donors;}, year = {2024}, author = {Neades, Barbara Louise and Perry, Patricia and Kilbride, Lynn and Aitken, Gillian and Hill, Gordon} editor = {Saidi, Reza F} }