Home / Health / Mother Outraged Over Unconsented Cadaver Bone Graft
Mother Outraged Over Unconsented Cadaver Bone Graft
12 May
Summary
- Cadaver bone was grafted into a child's mouth during NHS surgery without consent.
- The surgery, intended to repair a cleft palate, failed after the unconsented procedure.
- Hospital admits using cadaver bone filler alongside the patient's own bone.
A mother has voiced her deep distress after her daughter received a bone graft containing material from a deceased person during NHS cleft palate surgery, without prior consent. The surgery, performed at Spire Bristol Hospital in December 2024, was intended to repair a cleft in the girl's mouth.
Instead of the planned procedure involving bone from the girl's knee, a retired surgeon used a compound containing demineralised bone fibre from a cadaver, combined with a small amount of the girl's jaw bone. The family only learned of this deviation and the subsequent failure of the operation at a follow-up appointment.
Spire Hospital apologized, explaining the cadaveric bone was used as a filler. However, independent experts noted this technique is not standard practice and consent should have been obtained. The NHS Trust acknowledged a failure to clearly explain surgical decisions, expressing sorrow for the distress caused.
Concerns have been raised that up to 12 children may have been treated by the same surgeon during this period, potentially involving similar unconsented procedures. The South West Cleft Service is under scrutiny, with previous assessments indicating harm to patients due to treatment delays.
