The present invention is directed to the field of implants that include
soft tissue. More particularly, the present invention is directed to
processes for treating implants that include soft tissues such as tendons
and ligaments, and to implants produced by such processes. The present
invention is also directed to processes and apparatus for improved
processing of implants that include soft tissue, by applying kinematic
restraint, preferably tension, to the implant or specific portions of the
implants during the treatment, and to implants produced by such processes
and apparatus. The present techniques yield soft tissue implants having
superior structural, mechanical, and/or biochemical integrity.