An Approach to Know Effective Techniques in Processing and Cleaning of Bones

What is it about?

An Approach to Know Effective Techniques in Processing and Cleaning of Bones

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Photo by Mathieu Stern on Unsplash

Photo by Mathieu Stern on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Introduction: As a part of anatomy teaching curriculum and three-dimensional demonstrations in Osteology, preparation of bones plays an important role. Also, to bring more information regarding sites of muscular attachments and course of neurovascular structures in a region, study of bones consistently maintains its own essentiality. Osteology is an important aspect of forensic anatomy too. This study is to know the effective techniques in bone cleaning among the various methods like maceration with water, boiling, enzymes, chemicals, bugs, leaving open above ground and burial under soil. Methods: Dissected cadavers buried for a period of about one year were dugout for the skeleton. Bones were also collected from the dissected cadavers directly without burial, with the help of technicians by using common instruments in the dissection hall like scalpels, scissors, and forceps to leave the bones with minimal soft tissue attachments. Then these bones were put in different solutions like H2O2, NaOH, Limewater and Plain water with sun exposure in daytime for a week. Finally the bones were then washed in running water and air dried under the fan. Results: The best method found suitable for the clean and white bone preparation in this study was using the chemical Limewater. The smell of the bones prepared and the process is not as strong/difficult and distasteful as perceived in the other methods like burial, leaving open above ground, boiling, using enzymes and bugs etc. Discussion: Most of the methods of bone preparation are tedious and time consuming. Also, they need training and expertise of persons doing these procedures. In present study we found that using Limewater (a clear liquid consisting of calcium hydroxide) with sunlight exposure in daytime for a week time, was the best method in the terms of less time required, the odourless and white colour and bones prepared and the simplicity of the process. So we are now able to find out the most suitable organic method by which bones can be prepared with least damage and for a good presentable appearance.

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