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Published on: June 9, 2018
Effect of hydrogen peroxide on human tendon allograft
E M H Gardner1, N VonderHeide, R Fisher
1Perth Bone and Tissue Bank, Nedlands, WA, Australia, egardner@doctors.org.uk.
Abstract:
Bacterial contamination of tendon allografts at the completion of processing has historically been about 2 %, with tendons that are found to be culture positive being discarded. Treatment of tendon allograft with hydrogen peroxide at the beginning of tissue processing may reduce bacterial contamination, however, the potential side effects of hydrogen peroxide treatment include hydrolysis of the collagen and this may alter the mechanical properties of the graft. Pairs of human tendons were used. One was washed in 3 % hydrogen peroxide for 5 min and the untreated tendon was used as a control. The ultimate tensile strength of the tendons was determined using a material testing machine. A freeze clamp technique was used to hold the tendons securely at the high loads required to cause tendon failure. There was no statistical difference in the ultimate tensile strength between the treated and untreated tendons. Mean strength ranged from Extensor Hallucis Longus at 588 Newtons to Tibialis Posterior at 2,366 Newtons. Hydrogen peroxide washing may reduce bacterial contamination of tendon allograft and does not affect the strength of the tendon.
Insights
Hydrogen peroxide washing of tendon allografts may reduce bacterial contamination without compromising their ultimate tensile strength. This study found no statistical difference in strength between treated and untreated tendons, suggesting a potential method to improve graft safety.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Bacterial contamination in tendon allografts is a significant concern, with approximately 2% of processed grafts being culture-positive and subsequently discarded.
- Current methods for reducing contamination must be balanced against potential damage to the graft's mechanical properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effect of 3% hydrogen peroxide washing on the bacterial contamination and ultimate tensile strength of human tendon allografts.
- To determine if hydrogen peroxide treatment alters the mechanical integrity of tendon allografts.
Main Methods:
- Human tendon allografts were paired, with one tendon in each pair treated with 3% hydrogen peroxide for 5 minutes and the other serving as a control.
- Ultimate tensile strength was measured using a material testing machine with a freeze clamp technique to secure the tendons under high load.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant difference was observed in the ultimate tensile strength between hydrogen peroxide-treated and untreated tendon allografts.
- The mean ultimate tensile strength varied across different tendons, ranging from 588 Newtons for Extensor Hallucis Longus to 2,366 Newtons for Tibialis Posterior.
Conclusions:
- Hydrogen peroxide washing is a potential method to reduce bacterial contamination in tendon allografts.
- This treatment does not appear to negatively impact the mechanical strength of the tendon allografts, suggesting it may be a safe pre-processing step.
