Histological and biochemical analysis of the fibrous tissue induced by implantation of synthetic ligament (Dacron): An experimental study in a rat model

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
We conducted a comparative study to evaluate the quality and true nature of the fibrous tissue formed around synthetic grafts when used in ligament replacement. In one group of Lewis rats, a patellar ligament was replaced with a Dacron prosthesis; the comparison group received a tail tendon isograft. Two‐, 4‐, 8‐, 12‐, and 24‐week comparisons showed histological and biochemical changes in the Dacron group alone that were consistent with foreign‐body reaction. Specifically, the Dacron group showed infiltration by large numbers of macrophages and foreign‐body, multinucleated giant cells. In addition, the capsule of fibrous tissue that developed around the Dacron ligaments was characterized by lower collagen solubility, a higher content of noncollagenous protein, and a higher proportion of type III collagen than that comprising the isografted tendons. The results of this study call into question the suitability of synthetics for ligament replacement.