title: Fractionation of 50kGy electron beam irradiation: effects on biomechanics of human flexor digitorum superficialis tendons treated with ascorbate.
abstract: The electron beam (Ebeam) irradiation has begun to be considered as an efficient alternative to gamma irradiation in the sterilization of allografts in the reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the biomechanical properties of human tendons after exposure to electron beam and free radical scavenger ascorbate. Forty human flexor digitorum superficialis tendons were prepared from five fresh cadavers and divided randomly into four groups: A, fresh (0kGy); B, 50kGy Ebeam irradiation; C, fractionated 50kGy Ebeam irradiation; D, fractionated 50kGy Ebeam on ascorbate-treated tendons. The fractionation of 50kGy was achieved by repeated irradiation of 2.5kGy for 20 repetitions. Biomechanical properties were analyzed during load-to-failure testing. The fresh tendons were found to be significant different in ultimate load, ultimate elongation relative to tendons in group B. Statistical differences were found between group B and C in ultimate load. No differences were detected between group A and C in all the parameters. Compare tendons in group C and D, significant differences were found in ultimate load and ultimate stress. It is recommended that fractionated 50kGy electron beam irradiation and free radical scavenger ascorbate should be applied in the sterilization of allografts tendons.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedics, the Affiliated Hospital of Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266003, China. weiwei_qy@yahoo.com.cn
authors.forename: Wei
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Wei
authors.forename: Yujie
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Xu
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: Shaoqi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Tian
authors.forename: Chao
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Yang
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Zhaoning
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Xu
authors.forename: Baiqiang
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Hu
authors.forename: Zhen
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Tian
authors.forename: Kang
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Sun
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016118:Anterior Cruciate Ligament / Q000601:surgery; D000070598:Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; D059549:Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction / Q000379:methods; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D019583:Dose Fractionation, Radiation; D004583:Electrons / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D016166:Free Radical Scavengers / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013242:Sterilization / Q000379:methods; D013710:Tendons / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology* / Q000528:radiation effects*; D014184:Transplantation, Homologous; D016474:Weight-Bearing / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D016166:Free Radical Scavengers; D001205:Ascorbic Acid