An in situ study of the influence of a sclerosing solution in rabbit medial collateral ligaments and its junction strength.

A double-blind study was conducted to assess the influence of a sclerosing solution on rabbit medial collateral ligaments (MCL) in situ. It was shown that repeated injections of 5% sodium morrhuate into the MCL and its bony attachments significantly increased its bone-ligament-bone junction strength, ligament mass and thickness when compared to saline-injected controls. Morphometric analysis of electron micrographs showed a highly significant corresponding increase of the collagen fibril diameters in the experimental ligament compared against the control MCL. These composite findings suggested that the sclerosing solution had a significant influence on dense connective tissue at the insertion sites. The mechanisms for these changes are uncertain and are the basis for future investigations.