Evaluation of preserved bovine tendon xenografts: a histological, biomechanical and clinical study.
Glutaraldehyde treated bovine tendon xenografts have been introduced into clinical trials as human knee ligament replacements recently, following animal experiments. This paper reports a further clinical study in which complications arose from implant debris. A laboratory study showed that the implants were not absorbed or integrated into the tissues of the host animals, as had been claimed by the originators. Mechanical tests of tendon reconstructions showed that the implants were not functional. It was concluded that this material is not suitable for clinical use within the knee joint as a cruciate ligament prosthesis.
D000818:Animals; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D001705:Bioprosthesis / Q000009:adverse effects; D002417:Cattle; D005260:Female; D008023:Ligaments, Articular / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D011817:Rabbits; D013710:Tendons / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000637:transplantation*; D014183:Transplantation, Heterologous