| abstract |
A skin collagen or a structural collagen (11) is treated with glutaraldehyde to achieve cross linking (30) of the protein strands which constitute the collagen. The collagen is provided in the form of a suitable weave with sufficient space between its strands or fibers to function as a "scaffold" through which ligament fibroblasts can propagate. A sheet (16) of the collagen is rolled into a coil-shaped configuration which is positioned between ends of a torn anterior cruciate ligament. The ends (20) of the collagen coil are sutured to the torn ends of the ligament. The joint is immobilized, during which time the synovial sheath regrows and protects the ligament from synovial fluid. The fibroblasts grow through the collagen, completely healing in as little as three weeks. In one embodiment of the invention, one end of the collagen is inserted in a carved out portion of the bone and is peripherally stitched to its periosteum. The regenerating ligament forms a normal attachment to the bone. |