Histologic and biomechanical studies of tendon-to-bone healing after autologous and allogeneic bone transplants.

OBJECTIVES Compare histologic and biomechanical differences of tendon-to-bone healing between autologous and allogeneic bone transplants. MATERIALS AND METHODS Adult, healthy, New Zealand white rabbits were used to establish the extra-articular tendon-to-bone healing model with the left hind limb transplanted with allogeneic bone and the right hind limb transplanted with autologous bone. After 3, 6, and 12 weeks after the transplant, the rabbits were killed to collect tendon-to-bone specimens, and then the healing processes in tendon-to-bone interfaces were examined. RESULTS All rabbits grew well after incision without infection and can freely move. Histologic observations 3 and 6 weeks after surgery and biomechanical test results 6 weeks after surgery were statistically different between the autologous and the allogeneic transplants (P < .05). After 12 weeks, histologic observations and biomechanical test results showed no difference between the 2 transplants (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS Allogeneic bone transplant has a relatively slower tendon-to-bone healing than does autologous bone transplant, but finally allogeneic and autologous bone transplants have the same extent of tendon-to-bone healing.