Current trends in bone grafting and the issue of banked bone allografts based on the fourth nationwide survey of bone grafting status from 2000 to 2004

Most bone grafts performed in Japan during the four surveys were still autografts. However, the proportion of autografts decreased, and the proportion of synthetic bone substitutes increased. The number of synthetic bone substitutes and banked bone allografts used for replacement arthro-plasty increased significantly. However, the total number of banked bone allografts reported in the fourth survey was still low. Quality control of banked bone allografts and management of bone banks were not satisfactory, although they were improved.