Table 1 Viewpoints and their inclusion criteria and exclusion criteria

Tendon irradiation and mechanical test

Studies that included tendon sterilization and mechanical tests in their experimental processes.

Studies which only included tendon sterilization method without any type of mechanical tests.

Description of tendon sterilization and mechanical test

Studies with a detailed explanation of the tendon sterilization and mechanical test and the experimental procedure that was completed.

Studies without detail or incomplete descriptions of the tendon irradiation and mechanical test and the experimental procedures that were completed.

Assessment of results

Studies with unbiased results based on measurable parameters.

Studies with biased scoring/assessments of results, not (fully) based on measurable parameters.