Tendon grafting with glutaraldehyde fixed material.

An evaluation of 0.2% buffered glutaraldehyde fixed tendon as a potential tendon replacement prosthesis was evaluated in rabbit and chicken models. In vivo implantations were done to determine compatability, function, and strength of grafts. Autogenous fresh grafts were used as controls in the strength evaluations. The fixed tendon elicits no cellular rejection response, is invaded and replaced by host tissues, and anastomosis strength in tension compares favorably to a fresh autogenous control. These preliminary evaluations indicate a useful potential for this fixed biomaterial as a tendon prosthesis.