[Experimental research and clinical application of allogenic tendon grafting]

Autologous free tendon grafting is a very common treatment for tendon defect of the hand. However, it is difficult to obtain autologous free tendon grafts to repair patients with multiple tendon defects. We described the treatment using deep-freeze-stored tendon with MEM and the establishment of clinical tendon bank. Allograft tendons were used successfully in 15 patients clinically. In the experiments, we also performed a series of studies on immunity and repairing ability of the allogenic tendon grafts. The results indcated that the treatmnet using deep-freeze-stored tendon with MEM could reduce the immunogenicity of allograft. There was no significant difference between autograft and deep-freeze stored allograft 24 weeks after operation, but there was a significant difference in the fresh allograft 3 weeks after grafting. Based on animal experiment, we established a clinical tendon bank. Deep-freeze-stored allogenic tendon grafts can be used successfully in place of autologous tenden grafts in treatment of tendon defect of the hand.