MICROSTRUCTURALLY BASED MODEL ANALYSIS OF GAMMA-IRRADIATED TENDON ALLOGRAFTS

A mathematical model of the collagenous microstructure of tendon was used to analyze the mechanical responses of gamma-irradiated patellar tendon allografts and nonirradiated controls. The model was fit to tensile test response curves from 10 pairs of allografts. Donors ranged in age from 16-64 years (six males, four females). The model indicated a decrease in elastic modulus of irradiated tendon collagen. It also suggested a significant increase in the degree and range of collagen fiber crimping following gamma-irradiation. The model results agree with the literature and histological observations. The model fit the experimental response curves well and provided a structurally based, objective method of quantitatively studying the mechanical response of tendons and the consequences of irradiation sterilization.