Comparative Determination of the Mechanical Strength of a Transplant from a Tendon of a Semitendinosus Muscle for Plastic Surgery of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament Prepared in Various Ways (Experimental Study)

According to modern literature, a sufficient number of studies have been carried out to determine the mechanical strength of transplants from the tendon of the semitendinous and gracilis muscles, the autologous ligament of the patella, the broad fascia, peroneus longus tendon, each of which has unique characteristics, but at present, transplants prepared by original (new) methods are understudied.

In the period from November 5 to December 17,2018 we conducted an experimental study to determine the mechanical strength of a transplant from a tendon of a semitendinosus muscle taken from cadaveric material. The transplants were prepared by original and well-known (Graft-Link technique) methods.

The experimental study was approved by the Ethics committee of Irkutsk Scientific Center of Surgery and Traumatology. The material for the study was prepared on the basis of the Irkutsk Regional Bureau of Forensic Medical Examination.

After sampling the cadaveric material being studied, the main stages of the experimental study were carried out at the materials resistance department of the Irkutsk State Technical University. Studies of the mechanical properties of the transplant were carried out on a Shimadzu testing machine registered in the State Register of Measuring Instruments and approved for use in the Russian Federation.

As a result of the study, we obtained the following data. The mechanical strength of the graft obtained from the tendon of the semitendinosus muscle in an original way is on average 607.8 ± 101.2 N/mm. The mechanical strength of the graft obtained from the tendon of the semitendinosus muscle in a traditional manner (Graft-Link technique) is on average 351.8 ± 133.0 N/ mm.

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