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Effects of freezing on the biomechanical and structural properties of human posterior tibial tendons

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Abstract

This work analyzes the effects of storage by fresh-freezing at −80°C on the histological, structural and biomechanical properties of the human posterior tibial tendon (PTT), used for ACL reconstruction. Twenty-two PTTs were harvested from eleven donors. For each donor one tendon was frozen at −80°C and thawed in physiological solution at 37°C, and the other was tested without freezing (control). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and biomechanical analysis were performed. We found the following mean changes in frozen-thawed tendons compared to controls: TEM showed an increase in the mean diameter of collagen fibrils and in fibril non-occupation mean ratio, while the mean number of fibrils decreased; DSC showed a decrease in mean denaturation temperature and denaturation enthalpy. Biomechanical analysis showed a decrease in ultimate load and ultimate stress, an increase in stiffness and a decrease in ultimate strain of tendons. In conclusion fresh-freezing brings about significant changes in the biomechanical and structural properties of the human PTT. A high variability exists in the biophysical properties of tendons among individuals and in the effects of storage on tendons. Therefore, when choosing an allograft tendon, particular care is needed to choose a biomechanically suitable graft.

Résumé

Ce travail a pour but d’analyser les effets du stockage à −80°C sur le plan histologique, structurel et biomécanique d’un tendon le tibial ou jambier postérieur (PTT), utilisé pour la reconstruction des ligaments croisés antérieurs. 22 PTT ont été conservées provenant de 11 donneurs. Pour chaque donneur un tendon a été congelé à −80°C et l’autre, conservé dans une solution physiologique à 37°C. Ces tendons ont été testés. L’examen par microscope électronique (TEM), le scanner calorimétrique (DSC) et une analyse biomécanique ont été réalisés. Nous avons trouvé des changements dans les tendons conservés au froid en comparaison du groupe contrôle. Le TEM, examen au microscope électronique a montré une diminution du diamètre des fibres collagènes. L’analyse biomécanique a montré également une diminution de la résistance à la charge et au stress ainsi qu’une augmentation de la rigidité et une diminution des contraintes terminales au niveau du tendon. En conclusion: la congélation des tendons frais amène des modifications significatives des caractéristiques biomécaniques et structurelles du tendon PTT humain. Il existe une variation importante des propriétés biophysiques des tendons parmi les individus et du fait de leurs conservations. Pour cela, il est nécessaire lorsque l’on choisit un tendon et une allogreffe du tendon d’apporter dans le choix sur le plan biomécanique un soin particulier.

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Acknowledgments

We would like to thank CITIEFFE (Calderara di Reno, Bologna, Italy) for providing the equipment to carry out the biomechanical tests. We thank R. Strocchi and M. Solmi for histological analysis, K. Rubini for calorimetric analysis, and L. Stracqualursi for help with statistical analysis.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Rizzoli Orthopaedic Institute-Orthopaedic Clinic, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy

    Sandro Giannini, Roberto Buda & Francesco Di Caprio

  2. Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy

    Patrizia Agati

  3. Department of Chemistry, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy

    Adriana Bigi

  4. Department of Human Anatomy, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy

    Viviana De Pasquale & Alessandro Ruggeri

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  1. Sandro Giannini
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  2. Roberto Buda
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  3. Francesco Di Caprio
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  4. Patrizia Agati
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  5. Adriana Bigi
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  6. Viviana De Pasquale
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  7. Alessandro Ruggeri
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Correspondence to Francesco Di Caprio.

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Giannini, S., Buda, R., Di Caprio, F. et al. Effects of freezing on the biomechanical and structural properties of human posterior tibial tendons. International Orthopaedics (SICO 32, 145–151 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-006-0297-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-006-0297-2

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