title: Mechanical Testing of a Synthetic Canine Gastrocnemius Tendon Implant.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To test a polyethylene terephthalate prosthesis (STIF, Chenove, France) for gastrocnemius tendon repair in dogs (cadaver model).
  
  
  METHODS
  In vitro mechanical study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Pelvic limbs (n = 8) from 4 recently euthanatized adult dogs (weighing 30-45 kg).
  
  
  METHODS
  Proximally the implant was sutured at the myotendinous junction of the gastrocnemius and distally secured in a 4.5 mm blind ending tunnel in the medullary cavity of the calcaneus using an interference screw (STIF, Chenove, France). Proximal and distal fixation were tested independently using an electrodynamic testing machine (Electropuls 3000, Instron, UK).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Mean ± SD failure loads for the proximal fixation (266.13 ± 43.88 N) was significantly less than for the distal fixation (649.25 ± 210.36 N; P = .042, paired t-test). Mean stiffness of the proximal and distal constructs were 19.08 ± 8.16 N/mm and 139.76 ± 24.51 N/mm, respectively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Failure loads exceeded the values reported after experimental repair of chronic gastrocnemius tendon injuries using other methods involving suturing tendon to bone. Failure of this repair method clinically is predicted to occur proximally at the level of the myotendinous junction.
authors.affiliation: Davies Veterinary Specialists, Manor Farm Business Park, Higham Gobion, Hertfordshire, UK.
authors.forename: Mark A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Morton
authors.affiliation: Davies Veterinary Specialists, Manor Farm Business Park, Higham Gobion, Hertfordshire, UK.
authors.forename: Richard G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Whitelock
authors.affiliation: Department of Musculoskeletal Biology, Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Neston, UK.
authors.forename: John F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Innes
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D001863:Bone Screws / Q000662:veterinary; D002102:Cadaver; D004285:Dogs / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D020007:Implants, Experimental; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000662:veterinary; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*