Trinity Evolution, an allograft with viable cells

Surgical treatment for spine and orthopedic conditions often requires the use of bone grafts. Your surgeon has recommended Trinity®Evolution™ for its unique properties. Trinity Evolution is a donated bone graft (or bone allograft) processed to maintain active (viable) adult stem cells. The following information will provide you with an understanding of how a stem cell allograft works and how it is a safe, commonly used option for your surgery.

What Is Bone Allograft?

In orthopedic surgery, an allograft is bone or soft tissue that is transplanted from one person to another. There are various surgical procedures where bone, tendons, ligaments and other tissues are used. In fact, in the U.S., an estimated one million allografts are transplanted each year. The following examples are cases where allografts are commonly used:

Patients undergoing orthopedic reconstruction.
Patients having spinal surgical procedures.
Cancer patients receiving allografts to fill bone voids following tumor surgery.

These are just a few examples. Surgeons have used allografts successfully – in all kinds of procedures – for decades.

Where Do Allografts Come From?

Allografts come from donors – individuals who have passed away in an accident or from sudden illnesses. Consent from the donor or donor’s family is always obtained. The donated bones, cartilage, tendons, skin and
ligaments are required to be healthy. Therefore, every donor is carefully screened by medical professionals.

Why Do I Need An Allograft?

Your surgeon could use bone taken from another part of your body. This is called an autograft. Autograft contains all of the necessary components for bone healing, including living cells. However, a second surgical site is typically necessary and there are some potential drawbacks associated with autografts, such as:

Longer surgical time
Infection at the second surgical site
Longer recovery time, and potential long term pain at that site

Your surgeon may have other reasons for recommending something other than autograft for you. Your bone quality and quantity (supply) are potential limitations as well as those listed above.

What Is A Viable Cell Allograft?

A viable cell allograft is one that contains active, live cells - specifically stem cells, which may enhance the patient’s bone healing. Trinity Evolution is an example of a viable cell allograft.

Why Are Adult Stem Cells Important?

Adult stem cells are present in our organs, bone and soft tissues. Normal wear or injury to the body will signal these cells to begin repair or rejuvenation. A Mesenchymal Stem Cell (MSC) is a type of adult stem cell, which is found in the bone marrow of all individuals. MSCs are called into action when they are needed to repair bony voids within the body. Trinity Evolution contains adult mesenchymal stem cells and is applied into the surgical site to help regenerate healthy bone.