A method of improving the resistance of collagenous tissue to mechanicaldegradation in accordance with the present invention comprises the step ofcontacting at least a portion of a collagenous tissue with an effective amountof a crosslinking reagent. The crosslinking reagent includes a crosslinkingagent such as genipin and/or proanthrocyanidin. Further, the crosslinkingreagent may include a crosslinking agent in a carrier medium. The collagenoustissue to be contacted with the crosslinking reagent is preferably a portionof an intervertebral disc or articular cartilage. The contact between thetissue and the crosslinking reagent is effected by injections directly intothe select tissue using a needle. Alternatively, contact between the tissueand the crosslinking reagent is effected by placement of a time-releasedelivery system such as a gel or ointment, or a treated membrane or patchdirectly into or onto the target tissue. Contact may also be effected by, forinstance, soaking.
