Tamil Nadu sees gradual rise in skin and bone donations

Skin and bone donations from deceased donors are slowly gaining momentum in Tamil Nadu. While there has been an increase in donations, greater awareness is still needed.

Data from the Transplant Authority of Tamil Nadu (Transtan) show a gradual rise in skin and bone donations over the past three years. There were 16 skin donations in 2022, followed by a slight increase to 23 in 2023. In 2024, the number rose to 77, while 2025 has recorded 36 donations so far.

Similar to skin donations, bone donations also saw a slight increase: from 50 in 2022 to 57 in 2023. The number then jumped to 111 in 2024. So far this year, 80 bone donations have been recorded.

P. Nellaiappar, retired professor and head, Department of Burns, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Government Kilpauk Medical College (KMC) Hospital, emphasised the need for greater awareness on skin donations. “Skin is harvested from the chest and thighs and dressed completely. Donated skin can be preserved at the skin bank — KMC has a full-fledged bank — for up to five years. It is beneficial for patients who suffer massive burns. If a patient suffers from 40% burns, the donated skin will be used as dressing. We have artificial materials but none are as effective as skin,” he explained.

Donated skin plays a vital role during the crucial period between the third and eighth day for patients with burn injuries, he added.

Fear of disfigurement

“People are more aware of bone donations now, and the acceptance has also improved,” B. Pasupathy, professor of Orthopedics, Institute of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital, said.

“One of the main reasons for families hesitating to donate the bones of a brain dead donor is fear of disfigurement. But there is no need for this fear as the retrieved bone segments are replaced with locally available materials. Hence, the shape is rebuilt. We retrieve small bones such as fibulas, and if people are willing to donate major bones, it will be of great benefit,” he said.

Donated bones are processed and preserved in bone banks. “These bones benefit persons who have suffered bone loss due to trauma, malignancies (tumours) in the bone, in which a segment has to be resected, and persons with congenital bone defects,” he added.

N. Gopalakrishnan, member secretary, Transtan, said there is a need for more sensitisation on the importance of skin and bone donations among all stakeholders, including the medical fraternity. “We must be able to clearly explain to families/relatives of patients (who were declared brain dead) and dispel myths surrounding skin and bone donations such as disfigurement. The acceptance rate for skin and bone donations is increasing and there is still great potential to be explored,” he said.