[Initial results of the biocompatibility, cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of Aramid]

Tissue biocompatibility of aramid fibres was tested over up to 16 weeks after subcutaneous (A = nine) and intraarticular (B = twelve animals) implantation in the rabbit. Histologically all specimens showed connective tissue ingrowth with interspersed mesenchymal cells. Foreign body giant cells were numerous and demonstrated intracellular dye or aramid particles. Following implantation into the knee joint the aramid ligament was invaded by longitudinally arranged, stress-oriented collagen fibres as soon as four weeks postoperatively. In spite of reactive new bone formation a functional bony anchorage in the bore holes did not take place during the 16 week period. Additional investigations in bacteria (particularly the Salmonella-microsome Assay according to Ames) and mammalian cell cultures showed no evidence for any cyto- or genotoxic effects of aramid fibres.