The effect of post mortem freezing storage on the tensile properties of tendon

The objective of this study is to elucidate the influence of postmortem freezing storage on the tensile properties of tendons. Chicken Flexor Digitorum Profundus (FDP) tendons were stored at 0/spl deg/C, -20/spl deg/C and -40/spl deg/C between 0 to 90 days. No statistically significant changes was found in the cross-sectional area following freezing storage. Tensile tests were performed every 5 days and the results showed that tensile properties of digital flexor tendon, as represented by stress-strain curves, Ultimate Tensile Strength, Strain at Maximum Stress, Elastic Modulus and Energy at Maximum Stress, were not affected during freezing storage at 0/spl deg/C, -20/spl deg/C and -40/spl deg/C for up to 90 days. Comparison between groups of same duration showed no discernable differences in tensile properties after storage at 0/spl deg/C, -20/spl deg/C and -40/spl deg/C. Therefore, we conclude that freezing storage at sub-zero temperature up to 90 days does not alter the tensile properties of digital flexor tendon.