The relationship of mechanical properties to morphology in patellar tendon autografts after posterior cruciate ligament replacement in sheep.

摘要: In a sheep model the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) was replaced by patellar tendon autograft (PTAG) using central one-third of ipsilateral (PT). The were sacrificed at 16, 26, 52 and 104 weeks postoperation. PTAG, and, as controls, contralateral PCL PT harvested. These examined biomechanical testing well light transmission electron microscopy, including immunohistological techniques. material properties (maximum stress, elastic modulus) compared to morphological features. cellular distribution, distribution glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), collagen fibril diameter occurrence Type III studied. Prior transplantation, PTAG shown be superior in maximum stress (57.2 +/- 5.5 MPa vs 41.3 1.9 MPa) modulus (368.8 49.3 172.3 14.6 PCL. early decline 22% 42% control) after free grafting paralleled cell- capillary-rich tissue with remnants necrosis poorly organized extracellular matrix. Two years implantation, progressive alignment matrix, acquired approximately 60 70% control, respectively. However, there also an evidence degenerative changes characterized acellular areas, loss normal bundling pattern fibers abnormal accumulation GAGs. Ultrastructurally, predominant shift thin fibrils PT, both consisting thick fibrils. Thin demonstrated be, part, split newly formed Most these revealed positive reaction antibodies collagen.