The Biomechanical Effects of 1.0 to 1.2 Mrad of Gamma Irradiation on Human Bone–Patellar Tendon–Bone Allografts

Abstract

Aside from graft stiffness during load to failure testing, low-dose (1.0-1.2 Mrad) gamma irradiation of central-third human BTB allografts is not deleterious to preimplantation biomechanical properties.

Hamstring Autograft Versus Soft-Tissue Allograft in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

“…29,30 By contrast, a recent study of low-dose (1.0-to 1.2-Mrad) gamma irradiation of bone-tendonbone grafts showed decreased graft stiffness by 20% without any change in biomechanical properties. 31 Clinical studies have yielded mixed results regarding whether irradiation of allografts leads to higher rates of graft failure. Rappe et al 32 found a 33% failure rate for irradiated allografts versus 2.4% for non-irradiated allografts.…”

Central-Third Bone–Patellar Tendon–Bone Allografts Demonstrate Superior Biomechanical Failure Characteristics Compared With Hemi–Patellar Tendon Grafts

“…Dimensions of the prepared grafts were recorded including length, width, and thickness using a digital caliper. 7,17,19,28 Cross-sectional area was calculated from the mean of 3 measurements along the tendon length and assumed to be rectangular. 6,9,11 Samples were then prepared for biomechanical assessment using methyl methacrylate in polyvinyl chloride piping, two 0.62 mm Kirschner wires, and a custom machine mount ( Figure 2).…”

Effect of a novel sterilization method on biomechanical properties of soft tissue allografts

“…The sterilization method used can compromise the mechanical properties of the allograft [4,19,25]. Allograft stiffness has been shown to decrease by 20 % with low-dose (1.0-1.2 mrad) gamma irradiation [25].…”