An in vitro study of the structural properties of deep-frozen versus freeze-dried, ethylene oxide-sterilized canine anterior cruciate ligament bone-ligament-bone preparations.
The effect of two preparation and storage methods on the structural properties of canine anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) bone-ligament-bone preparations was determined. In Group 1, one knee joint from each dog was tested after storage at -70 degrees for eight to 12 weeks. In Group 2, one knee joint from each dog was sterilized using ethylene oxide, freeze-dried, and then stored at room temperature for four to five weeks prior to mechanical testing. In both groups, the contralateral joint was tested fresh and used as a control. The bone-ligament-bone preparations were loaded in tension until failure and the load at failure, stiffness, and maximum elongation were measured. No preparation method caused a significant decline in breaking strength. In both groups, however, there was a significant increase in elongation at failure noted in the test specimens. This was accompanied, in Group 1 (deep-frozen), by a significant decrease in stiffness in the test joints. A similar trend toward decreased stiffness was observed in the test joints from Group 2 (freeze-dried).
Turner
W D
WD
Department of Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis 95616.
Vasseur
P
P
Gorek
J E
JE
Rodrigo
J J
JJ
Wedell
J R
JR
D000818:Animals; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D004285:Dogs; D005027:Ethylene Oxide; D005612:Freeze Drying; D005615:Freezing; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007719:Knee Joint; D008023:Ligaments, Articular / Q000502:physiology*; D011309:Preservation, Biological / Q000379:methods*; D013242:Sterilization
D005027:Ethylene Oxide