MECHANICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF 4 ALLOGRAFT TENDON-TO-MUSCLE ANASTOMOTIC TECHNIQUES

Four methods of allograft tendon-to-muscle anastomosis were tested in single cycle distraction to failure using 10 anastomosed ovine calcane al tendon-biceps brachii units. The tendon-muscle units were compared to intact ovine biceps brachii muscle units. Methods of tendon-to-musc le anastomosis were derived from modifications of existing muscle tend on repair and tenorrhaphy techniques. Load to failure (N), stiffness ( N/cm), distraction (cm), and modes of failure were recorded. Of the fo ur methods tested, the side-to-side technique demonstrated the highest load to failure (152.1 N), the greatest stiffness (17.6 N/cm), the le ast distraction (2.99 cm) before failure, and the least amount of musc le tissue trauma at failure. Results indicate that, of the methods tes ted, the side-to-side technique offers the greatest initial stability and should therefore allow adequate revascularization and healing of t he anastomosis site.