title: The outcomes of peritendon tissue free-grafted on the tendon surface.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this study is to observe the gross and histological changes of free-grafted peritendon tissue.
  
  
  METHODS
  The incisions were made in the bilateral Achilles tendon sites in six healthy rabbits weighing 2.0-2.5kg. The peritendon tissue flaps of about 2.0cm×0.5cm size were harvested and free-grafted into the contralateral donor sites. After 3 weeks, three animals were sacrificed, and after 6 weeks the remaining three animals were sacrificed. The peritendon tissue specimens were sampled for gross observation and histological observation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Gross observation after 3 weeks: the peritendon tissue became thick, there was tissue proliferation, and the deep surface was smooth. Histological observation after 3 weeks: inflammatory cells in the peritendon tissue were observed, many fibroblasts proliferated in the superficial surface, and some neovascularization was observed. Tissue growth could be seen in the suture site. Gross observation after 6 weeks: the peritendon tissue looked thick and the deep surface was smooth. Histological observation after 6 weeks: inflammatory cells in the peritendon tissue were significantly reduced and there were still more fibroblasts in the tissues. Neovascularization was obvious and the suture site was firmly healed. No signs of necrosis were found at the two time points, and the structure of the free-grafted peritendon tissue was almost the same as the structure of the peripheral tissue.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The peritendon tissue can survive well after being free-grafted into the tendon surface and the structure shows no obvious changes.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital, Dalian University, Dalian City, Liaoning Province, China. Electronic address: suyunll@sina.com.
authors.forename: Yun
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Su
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital, Dalian University, Dalian City, Liaoning Province, China.
authors.forename: Xiangjun
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Meng
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital, Dalian University, Dalian City, Liaoning Province, China.
authors.forename: Haibo
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Yu
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital, Dalian University, Dalian City, Liaoning Province, China.
authors.forename: Xiaoguang
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Yu
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital, Dalian University, Dalian City, Liaoning Province, China.
authors.forename: Qiang
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Sun
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital, Dalian University, Dalian City, Liaoning Province, China.
authors.forename: Daping
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Cui
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital, Dalian University, Dalian City, Liaoning Province, China.
authors.forename: Di
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Wu
mesh_terms: D000125:Achilles Tendon / Q000473:pathology* / Q000637:transplantation; D000818:Animals; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D005260:Female; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000166:cytology*; D006085:Graft Survival; D007249:Inflammation / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D011817:Rabbits; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D013718:Tensile Strength; D014945:Wound Healing
keywords: Free graft; Histology; Peritendon tissue; Tendon