Polarization and electron microscopic studies on the collagen of intact and ruptured human tendons

The intact and degenerated tendons were studied by the Picrosirius polarization microscopic method and by transmission and scanning electron microscopy. In the intact tendon, type I collagen were found as sole component. In the degenerated tendon, the collagen revealed histochemical and ultrastructural aspects with are typical of collagen type III. The formation of type III collagen must be an integral part of the disease process.