Influence of Staphylococcus epidermidis on Collagen Crimp Patterns of Soft Tissue Allograft

Postoperative infections, commonly from Staphylococcus epidermidis, may result in anterior cruciate ligament graft failure and necessitate revision surgery. In biomechanical studies, S. epidermidis has been shown to establish biofilms on tendons and reduce graft strength.

The goal of this study was to determine the effect of bacterial bioburden on the collagen structure of tendon. It was hypothesized that an increase in S. epidermidis biofilm would compromise tendon crimp, a pattern necessary for mechanical integrity, of soft tissue allografts.

Controlled laboratory study.

Cultures of S. epidermidis were used to inoculate tibialis anterior cadaveric tendons. Conditions assessed included 5 × 10⁵ colony-forming units or concentrated spent media from culture (no living bacteria). Incubation times of 30 minutes, 3 hours, 6 hours, and 24 hours were utilized. Second-harmonic generation imaging allowed for visualization of collagen autofluorescence. Crimp lengths were determined using ImageJ and compared based on incubation time.

Incubation time positively correlated with increasing S. epidermidis bioburden. Both fine and coarse crimp patterns lengthened with increasing incubation time. Significant coarse crimp changes were observed after only 30-minute incubations (P < .029), whereas significant fine crimp lengthening occurred after 6 hours (P < .0001). No changes in crimp length were identified after incubation in media lacking living bacteria.

The results of this study demonstrate that exposure to S. epidermidis negatively affects collagen crimp structure. Structural alterations at the collagen fiber level occur within 30 minutes of exposure to media containing S. epidermidis.

Our study highlights the need for antimicrobial precautions to prevent graft colonization and maximize graft mechanical strength.