Glutaraldehyde-cross-linked meniscal allografts: mechanical properties.

Removal of a severely damaged medial meniscus has been shown to lead to degradation of the articular cartilage and formation of degenerative arthritis. To counter this degenerative effect, meniscal prostheses, including glutaraldehyde-cross-linked allografts, have been evaluated in dogs. The purpose of this research was to quantify the mechanical properties of both fresh and glutaraldehyde-cross-linked canine medial menisci. Mechanical properties quantified were tensile strength, tensile modulus, and compressive stiffness. In addition, water content of compressive test samples was measured. Analysis of variance showed significantly lower tensile strength and tensile modulus and significantly higher compressive stiffness for the glutaraldehyde-cross-linked menisci, as compared to fresh specimens. Measurement of the weight percentage of water in fresh and cross-linked samples revealed no significant differences in water content. When implanted into a joint, the increased compressive stiffness could increase the peripheral tensile load. Due to the decreased tensile strength in this region, the prosthetic meniscus could be susceptible to peripheral tears.