| Histological evidence |
|
|
An important function of the reinforcement is to relieve
the load during the sensitive initial healing period and thus achieve long-term
stability. Gradual transfer of mechanical load to the body
enables formation of mature, differentiated tissue, which is organized along
the axis of the mechanical forces. In ligament and tendon repair, this organization of
tissue is especially important.
Fig. 1 Orientation of fibroblasts and collagen parallel to the Artelon® fibers (denoted by arrows), in the direction of the tensional load. Toluidine blue stain, 33 months of implantation, Augmentation Device ACL.
Fig. 2
Biopsy showing excellent integration of the Artelon®
biomaterial (denoted by arrows) in the
surrounding host bone without signs of
Fig. 3 Artelon® (denoted by arrows) in close contact with collagen II expressed by chondrocytes. Saffranin-O stain, 3 months of implantation, Artelon® CMC Spacer.
Fig. 4 61 months after implantation the degraded Artelon® (denoted by arrows) is well incorporated in the human ligament tissue. Hematoxylin-eosin stain, Artelon® Augmentation Device ACL.
|
