Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene as tendon replacement: an experimental study in chickens.
We designed an experimental animal model (in chickens) to assess the potential applications, above all in hand surgery, of an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE) graft as a replacement for a natural tendon. The results of macroscopic, histological, and functional observations made five weeks, and three, four, five, and six months after implantation showed that the e-PTFE seemed to be a good replacement for tendons, because it integrated well with surrounding tissue and permitted good functional recovery within a reasonable time period.
Giorgetti
M
M
Department of Hand Surgery and Reconstructive Microsurgery, Cisanello Hospital, Pisa, Italy.
Giannessi
E
E
Ricciardi
M P
MP
D000818:Animals; D002645:Chickens; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000601:surgery*
D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene