Fresh-frozen free-tendon allografts versus autografts in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: delayed remodeling and inferior mechanical function during long-term healing in sheep.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate the biologic healing and restoration of the mechanical function of a free soft tissue autograft and compare these to an identical nonsterilized fresh frozen allograft for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in an in vivo sheep model.