The response of rabbit patellar tendons after autologous blood injection.
OBJECTIVE
Blood is a rich source of growth factors that can stimulate fibrocyte migration and help induce neovascular ingrowth. These properties may be able to stimulate a healing response in chronic degeneration of a tendon (tendonosis). The purpose of this study was to assess the biomechanical and histological effects of autologous blood injection on animal tendons.


METHODS
New Zealand white rabbit left side patellar tendons were injected with 0.15 cc of autologous blood. We then compared the mechanical properties and histology to the normal right patellar tendon at 6 and 12 wk.


RESULTS
At 6 and 12 wk after the injection, there were no differences in the histology compared with normal tendon tissue, and there were no significant changes in tendon stiffness. Biomechanically, the tendons were not damaged at 6 wk after the injection. By 12 wk, tendons that were injected with blood were significantly (P < 0.014) stronger.


CONCLUSIONS
We found that injecting blood directly into normal tendons appears safe. Further evaluation of this technique would appear indicated.
Taylor
Mark A
MA
Musculoskeletal Research Center, Department of Orthopedics West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506-9196, USA.
Norman
Timothy L
TL
Clovis
Nina B
NB
Blaha
J David
JD
D000818:Animals; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D001804:Blood Transfusion, Autologous / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D007270:Injections, Intra-Articular / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D007717:Knee / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011817:Rabbits; D012421:Rupture; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000209:etiology; D013710:Tendons / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology