Tissue Donation

There are far more tissue transplants performed each year in the United States than organ transplants. From athletes who tear ligaments in their knees (ACL injuries) to burn victims, donated tissue helps to improve the quality of life for over 500,000 individuals who receive tissue transplants each year.

Tissue transplants are life-enhancing. As with all transplants, the donor’s medical condition at the time of death determines who can and who can’t be a tissue donor. Here is a list of the various types of tissue that can be transplanted:

Bone
To restore mobility and to prevent amputations

Heart valves
Most commonly used to improve heart function, most urgently needed for children

Skin
Promotes healing for burn victims

Tendons
Replaces damaged ligaments to restore joint function and mobility for example in ACL repairs

Veins
Restores blood flow, used frequently in bypass surgeries