The first investigation on allograft utilization was carried out in the 17th century. Allografts are very important in orthopedic surgery, avoiding local complications and limitations related to autologous graft harvest. There is no current information published on allograft distribution and utilization in Mexico. Objective: To describe the experience of the Bone and Tissue Bank of University Hospital, UANL, with special attention to final destination of bone allografts. Material and methods: Data on procurement and distribution of tissue between September 26, 2000 and July 31, 2003 has been included. Results: Fifty-seven tissue procurements in 9 cities in Mexico were done; only two donors were cadaveric donors. A total of 1,983 allografts were distributed and used in 1,172 surgical procedures in 23 states in Mexico. Sixty-four percent of the allografts were used by orthopedic surgeons, 95% being freeze-dried allografts. Conclusion: Since 2001 allograft distribution has shown an important increase, well above that reported by the American Association of Tissue Banks. We have been using allografts for orthopedic surgery as well as many other tissue banks. The current system for capturing cadaveric tissue donors in Mexico is not sufficient, implementation of specific programs focused on tissue donation could probably increase the number of tissue donors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]