Transplantation of preserved composite tendon allografts

Composite flexor-tendon grafts (both tendons with sheath and pulleys intact) were performed in adult chickens comparing fresh autografts with allografts stored in 1:5,000 merthiolate under refrigeration for two months. The gross and microscopic findings were assessed one week to one year after transfer. The allografts were somewhat slower to heal but otherwise differed little from the autografts, and were readily accepted eventually with only minor adhesions between the grafted tendon and the sheath.