Cryopreserved anterior cruciate ligament allografts in a canine model.

This study was done to determine the clinical and biomechanical properties of cryopreserved anterior cruciate ligament allografts at 3, 6, 9, and 24 months after transplantation. A companion study of autografts was done to evaluate the effects of the surgical procedure and preservation on the tissue. The knee joints of 69 mongrel dogs (allograft n = 34, autograft n = 35) weighing 17 kg to 25 kg were grafted. Biomechanical results showed that maximum load was less in allografts than in autografts at each time interval. Deformation and slope were not significantly different between allograft and autograft. An apparent delay in revascularization and cellular repopulation was found in allografts compared with autografts, and collagen type I/type III ratios were similar in both grafts. DNA analysis indicated complete replacement of DNA in the graft by the host. Allografts provide adequate functional stability for daily activities in the canine model up to 2 years after transplantation. Biomechanical properties were relatively poor in allografts, which may lead to failure under more strenuous activity. The biologic similarity to autografts may indicate future remodeling potential.