Premium
Microstructurally based model analysis of γ‐irradiated tendon allografts
Author(s) -
Belkoff S. M.,
Haut R. C.
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
journal of orthopaedic research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.041
H-Index - 155
eISSN - 1554-527X
pISSN - 0736-0266
DOI - 10.1002/jor.1100100320
Subject(s) - tendon , irradiation , collagen fiber , patellar tendon , materials science , ultimate tensile strength , sterilization (economics) , biomedical engineering , anatomy , composite material , medicine , physics , nuclear physics , monetary economics , economics , foreign exchange market , foreign exchange
A mathematical model of the collagenous microstructure of tendon was used to analyze the mechanical responses of γ‐irradiated patellar tendon allografts and nonirradiated controls. The model was fit to tensile test response curves from 10 pairs of allografts. Donors ranged in age from 16–64 years (six males, four females). The model indicated a decrease in elastic modulus of irradiated tendon collagen. It also suggested a significant increase in the degree and range of collagen fiber crimping following γ irradiation. The model results agree with the literature and histological observations. The model fit the experimental response curves well and provided a structurally based, objective method of quantitatively studying the mechanical response of tendons and the consequences of irradiation sterilization.