Xenotransplantation is a relatively new medical science. A khizir heart was successfully transplanted into a human recipient last year before the recipient died of a viral infection. Scientists from Macquarie University in Australia now say kangaroo tendons can be used in place of human tendons to treat knee injuries such as the ACL.
Kangaroo tendons are more durable than humans because they provide the ability to jump up to three meters. In current ACL surgery for example, the donated tendon is in limited amount. About 25% of patients who undergo surgery have problems with the tendon being replaced causing the knee to weaken or more seriously fail leading to a second surgery.
Kangaroos are killed in Australia for population control with their carcasses processed into animal feed. With the large number of kangaroos, tendons can be saved by using them on humans in need.
The first clinical trials are planned for 2024 and if successful will usher in a new era of xenotransplant medicine. Maybe one day humans with kangaroo tendons will be as normal as humans with pig kidneys, hearts and lungs.