Glutaraldehyde-treated bioprosthetic substitute for rabbit Achilles tendon

The biomechanical properties and histocompatibility of a glutaraldehyde-treated xenograft were examined after implanting it in 27 rabbits. This xenograft was used as an Achilles tendon substitute placed in vivo for 2 to 48 wk. The specimens were then subjected to mechanical strength testing using a specially constructed tensioning device. The contralateral Achilles tendon was used as the reference baseline. Mechanical testing showed that the strength of the implanted graft increased to 33.5% of the normal side at week 10 and to 79.5% at week 14. The host generated a fibrous cord around the xenograft, linking the two ends of the Achilles tendon. Light and electron microscopic examination showed fibroblastic infiltration of varying magnitude in all specimens but no statistical correlation between degree of infiltration and duration of implantation was found. Also, there was no histological evidence of immunological rejection within the 48 wk of study.