title: Effect of gamma sterilisation and deep-freezing on length and strength of fascia latae.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To compare the length and strength of fascia latae after gamma sterilisation and different durations of deep-freezing.
  
  
  METHODS
  50 pieces of fresh porcine fascia latae were randomly divided into 5 groups. Group 1 acted as controls, which were not gamma irradiated and deep-frozen. In groups 2 to 4, fascia latae were incubated in phosphate buffer solution for 4 hours, and then gamma irradiated at 25 kGy. They were preserved at -70 degrees Celcius for one to 3 months, respectively. In group 5, fascia latae were preserved for 3 months, and during the whole process they were fixed on a wooden board to maintain their original length. The maximum tensile strength of each fascia lata was tested at a displacement rate of 1 cm per minute until failure.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The maximum tensile strength was not significantly different among groups 1 to 4, but was significantly higher in group 5.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Gamma sterilisation and deep-freezing had no effect on the strength of fascia latae, but fixation on a board could increase strength.
authors.affiliation: Bangkok Biomaterial Center, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
authors.forename: Agawit
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kayurapan
authors.forename: Sahachart
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Makadelok
authors.forename: Saranatra
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Waikakul
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D015925:Cryopreservation; D005206:Fascia Lata / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000528:radiation effects*; D005615:Freezing; D005720:Gamma Rays; D008422:Materials Testing; D013242:Sterilization / Q000379:methods*; D013552:Swine; D013718:Tensile Strength / Q000528:radiation effects; D046509:Tissue Culture Techniques