Strength of carbon and polyester fibre tendon replacements. Variation after operation in rabbits.
The calcaneal tendons of rabbits were excised and either replaced with a carbon or polyester fibre implant, or left as controls. The strength of the neotendons and their mode of failure under tension were examined at intervals up to six months after operation. Return to near normal strength took six months to develop, suggesting that patients having ligament or tendon reconstructions should not resume normal activity for several months. Carbon fibre-based neotendons showed progressive elongation which, unless avoided by a sufficient period of immobilisation, would affect the functional result.
D000818:Animals; D002111:Calcaneus; D002244:Carbon / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000077482:Carbon Fiber; D011091:Polyesters / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D011817:Rabbits; D013710:Tendons / Q000601:surgery*; D013718:Tensile Strength; D013997:Time Factors
D000077482:Carbon Fiber; D011091:Polyesters; D002244:Carbon