Flexor tendon repair in a rabbit model using a "core" of extensor retinaculum with synovial membrane. An experimental study.
In this histological and biomechanical study in two groups of rabbits, a piece of the extensor retinaculum with its synovial membrane was inserted as a biological "core" into a hole at the centre of both stumps of a severed tendon, which was repaired with interrupted sutures. In the other group, the tendon was sutured without a "core". In the "core" group, proliferation and migration of fibroblasts from both tendon surfaces and the "core" surface toward the deep layer of the suture site was seen 2 weeks after operation. New collagen fibres, aligned parallel to the long axis of the tendon, could also be seen 4 weeks after operation, and healing was more advanced than in the coreless model. The maximum force to produce a gap in the "core" tendon was 82% greater than in the coreless tendon 4 weeks after operation.
Churei
Y
Y
Niigita Hand Surgery Foundation, Japan.
Yoshizu
T
T
Maki
Y
Y
Tsubokawa
N
N
D000818:Animals; D002455:Cell Division / Q000502:physiology; D003094:Collagen / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008297:Male; D011817:Rabbits; D013536:Suture Techniques; D013583:Synovial Membrane / Q000473:pathology / Q000637:transplantation*; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D013710:Tendons / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D013718:Tensile Strength; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology
D003094:Collagen