The use of amniotic membrane in flexor tendon repair: an experimental model.
BACKGROUND
The objective of this study was to investigate the use of amniotic membrane as a long-term bioprosthesis in hand surgery. The role of the amniotic membrane was investigated in chickens with regard to the prevention of adhesion formation following tendon repair in zone II.


METHODS
In the control group, the flexor tendon sheath was excised and the tendon repaired. In group II, both the flexor digitorum profundus tendon and its sheath were repaired. In group III, the repaired tendon was covered with amniotic membrane. Histological evaluation of the repaired tendons were done at 3, 6 and 12 weeks.


RESULTS
Results of histologic examination demonstrated that use of the amniotic membrane significantly reduced the amount of adhesion compared with the other groups. Three months after implantation no remnants of amniotic membrane could be identified at the tendon repair site.


CONCLUSIONS
Amniotic membrane is easily prepared, and because of its cost effectiveness, its use in the prevention and treatment of adhesions should always be kept in mind.
Demirkan
Fahir
F
Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Pamukkale University School of Medicine, Denizli, Turkey. fahirdemirkan@yahoo.com
Colakoglu
Nagehan
N
Herek
Ozkan
O
Erkula
Gürkan
G
D000818:Animals; D001684:Biological Dressings; D001705:Bioprosthesis; D002645:Chickens; D013708:Tendon Injuries; D013710:Tendons / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D000267:Tissue Adhesions / Q000517:prevention & control