Histological and biochemical analysis of the fibrous tissue induced by implantation of synthetic ligament (Dacron): an experimental study in a rat model.
We conducted a comparative study to evaluate the quality and true nature of the fibrous tissue formed around synthetic grafts when used in ligament replacement. In one group of Lewis rats, a patellar ligament was replaced with a Dacron prosthesis; the comparison group received a tail tendon isograft. Two-, 4-, 8-, 12-, and 24-week comparisons showed histological and biochemical changes in the Dacron group alone that were consistent with foreign-body reaction. Specifically, the Dacron group showed infiltration by large numbers of macrophages and foreign-body, multinucleated giant cells. In addition, the capsule of fibrous tissue that developed around the Dacron ligaments was characterized by lower collagen solubility, a higher content of noncollagenous protein, and a higher proportion of type III collagen than that comprising the isografted tendons. The results of this study call into question the suitability of synthetics for ligament replacement.
Irie
K
K
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Japan.
Kurosawa
H
H
Oda
H
H
D000818:Animals; D003094:Collagen / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000737:chemistry; D005549:Foreign-Body Reaction / Q000209:etiology; D015726:Giant Cells; D006097:Granulation Tissue; D006909:Hydroxyproline / Q000032:analysis; D007720:Knee Prosthesis / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008023:Ligaments, Articular / Q000601:surgery*; D011093:Polyethylene Terephthalates / Q000009:adverse effects*; D051381:Rats; D011917:Rats, Inbred Lew; D012995:Solubility; D013710:Tendons / Q000637:transplantation
D011093:Polyethylene Terephthalates; D003094:Collagen; D006909:Hydroxyproline