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

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.