Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions are a common orthopedic surgical technique where the ACL is reconstructed using either a tendon allograft or autograft. Both graft types undergo significant structural remodeling post-surgery, which includes an initial loss and subsequent recovery of mechanical properties. However, allografts do not regain their mechanical properties to the same degree as autografts. Since graft remodeling is sensitive to mechanical loading and differences in outcomes between graft types is most pronounced in active individuals, we hypothesize that allografts have a deficient response loading. The objective of this thesis was to develop an in vitro culture and loading protocol to study the mechanobiology of ACL reconstructive grafts. A bioreactor was used to load the harvested grafts and a loading protocol was validated by studying the cell viability of native ACLs. Moreover, a method to extract RNA from ACLs was also determined for future use to compare differential gene expression among the graft types. All in all, this thesis presents the foundation of a method to study the response of ACL allografts and autografts to loading.
