Burial, Excavation and Chemical Cleaning - An Economical Approach for Extraction of Human Bones from Embalmed Dissected Cadavers in India

Abstract

Introduction: The human bones are an integral tool in the study of anatomy. Bones are necessary not only for teaching anatomy but also for planning of various surgeries and assessing the efficacy of orthopaedic devices. Aim: The present study was undertaken to develop the most suitable technique for extraction of human bones from embalmed dissected cadavers. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on the embalmed dissected cadavers in Department of Anatomy, GSVM Medical College, Kanpur, UP, India. The cadavers were buried in the soil for a period of two years at the depth of 1 foot, 2 feet, 3 feet and 4 feet. The bones so extracted were cleaned with a solution of normal water, detergent, bleaching powder and hydrogen peroxide. The result was compared with the bones extracted with other techniques. Result: The bones extracted after this procedure were clean, intact and their quality was absolutely at par with the bones extracted with other techniques. It was found that the bones of the most superficial level i.e. 1 foot from surface had some decomposition at the ends. The bones at the 2 feet were of best quality - quite clean and intact. The bones at the 3 feet were also intact but some soft tissue was still adhered around these bones while there was a minimal decomposition of the cadavers buried at the depth of 4 feet due to which bones could not be procured from this depth. Conclusion: The burial method for extraction of bones and the subsequent cleaning with a solution of normal water, detergent, bleaching powder and hydrogen peroxide is a very comfortable, cost effective, ecofriendly and suitable method for obtaining the human bone specimens from embalmed cadavers. The cadaver should be buried in superficial layer preferably 1 foot to 2 feet depth.

Keywords

• anatomy
• body donation
• decomposition
• osteology
• skeleton
• soil