Changes in tendon strength after partial cut and effects of running peripheral sutures.
We performed a study to evaluate the tensile properties of partial tendon lacerations and the effects of peripheral sutures on the tendon strength. Seventy-two fresh pig flexor digitorum profundus tendons were divided equally into eight groups. Tendons in four of the groups were subjected to partial lacerations (60%, 70%, 80%, and 90%) and were not repaired. In the other four similar groups partial lacerations were repaired with running peripheral sutures. The tendons were subjected to load-to-failure tests in an Instron tensile machine to determine the initial, 1mm, 2mm gap formation forces and the ultimate strength. The tendons with lacerations of 80% and 90% had a remarkably lower tensile strength than those 60% and 70% lacerations. Running peripheral sutures increased the gap formation forces and the ultimate strength of all the tendons, though particularly those with 80% and 90% lacerations.
Tan
J
J
Department of Hand Surgery, Hand Surgery Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong Medical College, Nantong, Jiangsu, China.
Wang
B
B
Tan
B
B
Xu
Y
Y
Tang
J B
JB
D000818:Animals; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D013536:Suture Techniques; D013537:Sutures; D013552:Swine; D013708:Tendon Injuries; D013710:Tendons / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D013718:Tensile Strength / Q000502:physiology