مرکز منطقه ای اطلاع رساني علوم و فناوري - Plastination of old fixed locomotor system specimens and usage in education

Abstract :

Aim: The aims of this study are to prolong the usage time of old fixed and prosected cadavers with the plastination method and rehabilitation of anatomy laboratory conditions.Materials and Methods: We obtained specimens from four cadavers which were partially dissected and used in laboratory sessions and had been stored in formalin for more than twenty years. One of them was a hand with distal forearm from the middle of the radius and ulna. Others were one right and one left hand with wrists and the last one was a right elbow. The required correction dissections and sectioning process were made. The specimens were washed with flowing tap water for a period of time to get rid of the formalin. Dehydration and degreasing steps were applied consequentially. In the impregnation step, xylene was added to a mixture of silicone polymers, unlike the standard technique. Xylene was removed under negative pressure after the specimens were cured.Results: Plastination preserved the obtained cross-sectional shapes. Specimens were light weighted and flexible with the usage of xylene. Also we obtained partially movable joints. All samples were dry, odorless and became resistant to outdoor conditions.Conclusion: Plastination of organs which have been stored for many years with formalin was realized. Thus, these samples can be used for much longer periods of time as educational material. Modification of the standard technique by using xylene assures economy in cost and time.