Biomechanical and histological examination of temporal fascia and dura mater grafts harvested from human adult cadavers and comparison of findings

The temporal fascia covers the temporal muscle. Its anatomical structure is intricate and peculiar. Considering its accessibility, functionality, and collagen-rich nature, it is commonly used as a graft material. The dura mater is another autologous graft substance that contains a similar collagen structure with the temporal fascia. Dura mater grafts are often used in dural repairs related to neurotological and neurosurgical procedures. Besides, during surgeries related to the eyes, facial aesthetics, otology, neurotology, and neurosurgery repairs often require the use of temporal fascia grafts. These materials have similar structures that can fulfill each other's requirements. This research analyzes and compares the biomechanical and histological characteristics of temporal fascia grafts and dura mater grafts, both obtained from adult human cadavers preserved in 10% formaldehyde solution. According to our biomechanical tensile test results, the modulus of elasticity, maximum strength and toughness of the formalin-infused temporal muscle fascia graft were higher than the biomechanical results of the dura mater. These findings lead us to the conclusion that the formalized temporal fascia is more rigid less elastic than the formalized dura mater. Histologically, collagen fiber and elastic fiber densities of samples were similar. In conclusion, upon thorough analysis of the biomechanical and histological properties of dura mater and temporal fascia grafts, it is discernible that these grafts may be utilized interchangeably for otological, neuro-otological, and neurosurgical procedures. Our findings are expected to provide meaningful guidance for future evaluations of different graft materials based on biomechanical and histological considerations.