Calcium Phosphate Hybridized with Human Semitendinosus and Gracilis Tendon Grafts

Abstract

We hybridized calcium phosphate (CaP) with human semitendinosus and gracilis (ST/G) tendon grafts using an alternate soaking process. To evaluate quantitatively and histologically assess the CaP hybridized human ST/G tendon grafts, we classified them into three groups according to their soaking time – number of soaking cycle: 30 sec – 20 cycles (Group A), 1 min – 15 cycles (Group B), 3 min – 5 cycles (Group C). The tendon grafts were divided into three parts: tibial end (TE), femoral end (FE) and intra-articular (IA) portion. TE was secured using the Krackow technique with No. 2 nonabsorbable sutures, and an Endobutton-CL (Smith & Nephew, USA) was passed through the looped FE, as performed clinically. Then, the IA portion was covered with the sleeve of a rubber glove to prevent CaP hybridization. More soaking cycles induced greater deposition of CaP in the tendon grafts when the total soaking time was the same. Covering the IA portion with a rubber sleeve prevented of CaP deposition. A large amount of CaP in TE was deposited because suture holes increased the total contact area with the solutions.