Experimental Study of Tendon Healing in Rabbits

Kwon, Taek Keun; Cha, Kin Han; Kim, Yang Woo

Abstract

The exact mechanism by which flexor tendons heal after injury is still not completely clear. Understanding the response of tendon to injury and repair is important to the practicing surgeon who seeks better clinical results. This stuty was intended to determine the course of tendon healing and the gain of tensile strength in the circumstance of normal conditions.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Flexor tendons on both lower extermities were divided and repaired with mersilene 4-0 in rabbits and after 2,4,6,8, weeks we obtained the pieces of tendons and have studied the histologic changes and measured tensile strength as time passed.
RESULTS
Histologically fibrobalst-like cells were proliferated on the epitenon and migrated into the suture site and produced collagen fibers in the central area. Tensile strength was proportionately increased until 8 weeks and well correlated with histologic findings. In conclusion, healing of the repaired tendon was initiated on the surface area and gained tensile strength with time passed.