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Updated: Jun 3, 2026
Effects of Allogeneic Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) on the Healing Process of Sectioned Achilles Tendons of Rats: A Methodological Description
Published on: March 19, 2018
[Effects of multiple freeze-thaw on biomechanical properties of human allograft tendons]
Hongjie Huang1, Xinyan Shi, Xiaoguang Zhang
1Department of Articular Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University Medical College, Qingdao Shandong, PR China.
Objective:
To explore the biomechanic effects of multiple freeze-thaw on human allograft tendons.
Methods:
Thirty tendons (24 flexor digitorum superficialis tendons and 6 flexor pollicis longus tendons) were harvested from 3 fresh cadaver donors and were divided into 6 groups randomly (fresh group; 1 cycle, 2 cycle, 3 cycle, 5 cycle, and 10 cycle freeze-thaw groups). There was 4 flexor digitorum superficialis tendons and 1 flexor pollicis longus tendon in each group. The structural and mechanical properties as well as viscoelastic change were estimated.
Results:
The results of the structural and mechanical properties in 1 cycle, 2 cycle, and 3 cycle freeze-thaw groups were similar to that of the fresh group (P > 0.05). The tendons in 5 cycle and 10 cycle freeze-thaw groups showed a significantly lower ultimate load and maximum stress when compared with those of fresh group (P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference in maximum tensile or maximum strain (P > 0.05). Moreover, the tendons in 5 cycle and 10 cycle freeze-thaw groups had a significant increase in viscoelastic properties when compared with fresh group (P < 0.05).
Conclusion:
In the cryopreservation of tendon allografts, the cycle of freeze-thaw should not exceed 3 times. Multiple cycle freeze-thaw will weaken the biomechanical properties of tendon allografts, which make grafts easier to fatigue or even rupture.
