The comparison of biomechanical and histological findings of cadaveric temporal fascia and dura mater grafts.

PURPOSE: This research aims to analyze and compare the biomechanical and histological characteristics of temporal fascia (TF) and dura mater grafts (DM); both obtained from adult human cadavers preserved in 10% formalin solution.

METHODS

TF and DM samples (bilateral, n = 3 strips per tissue) were obtained from 12 adult human cadavers (6 males, 6 females, age 46-86, mean 73) preserved in 10% formalin solution. Biomechanical tensile test was used to measure the maximum force, stiffness, energy absorption, and maximum deformation, maximum stress, maximum strain, elastic (Young's) modulus, and toughness. Histological analysis assessed collagen and elastic fiber densities using standard staining methods via Pentachrome, Masson Trichrome and Verhoeff staining.

RESULTS

The elastic modulus, ultimate stress, and toughness were higher in formalin-fixed temporalis fascia than in formalin-fixed dura mater, indicating a stiffer material behavior. Histologically, collagen fiber and elastic fiber densities of grafts were similar.

CONCLUSION

Formalin-fixed temporal fascia exhibited higher stiffness and tensile strength than formalin-fixed dura mater, likely due to fixation-induced structural alterations rather than differences in elastic fiber content.