COMPARISON OF 3-WEEK CALCANEAL TENDON REGENERATES AFTER TENOTOMY AND SUTURING IN EXPERIMENT IN VIVO

Abstract

Background. Modern knowledge about tendon healing as well as possibilities of hand surgery does not solve the problem of tenogenic contractures. For the prevention of cicatricial process, the separation of the sliding surfaces of the tendon and its sheath with polymeric materials is used. However, regeneration of tendons in condition of isolation has not been proven. Aim of the research. In a laboratory animal model to perform a tenotomy and a calcaneal tendon suture, study 3-week regenerates formed in the mobilization regime and evaluate the regenerative capacity of the tendon isolated with a dissected polymer tube. Material and methods. On both paws of laboratory rats tenotomy and suturing of the calcaneal tendons were performed. The tendons on the right paws were isolated with dissected polymeric tubes. The appearance and the histological structure of the suture site were assessed after 3 weeks. Results. Tendon regenerates were distinguished by their maturity and tissue organization. Tendons without isolation healed faster, but lost their sliding surface. As a result of isolation, a sliding surface of the tendon and its sheath was formed, but the formation of the regenerate slowed down. Conclusions. Tendon healing in dissected tube is possible and occurs due to intrinsic repair. The fusion of the tendon demonstrates a well-vascularized regenerate in the suture site.

Keywords

• tenotomy
• tendon suturing
• isolation of tendon
• regeneration of tendon