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Achilles tendon healing: A correlation between functional and mechanical performance in the rat
Author(s) -
Best Thomas M.,
Collins Alison,
Lilly Edward G.,
Seaber Anthony V.,
Goldner Richard,
Murrell George A. C.
Publication year - 1993
Publication title -
journal of orthopaedic research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.041
H-Index - 155
eISSN - 1554-527X
pISSN - 0736-0266
DOI - 10.1002/jor.1100110617
Subject(s) - achilles tendon , tendon , medicine , connective tissue , wound healing , histology , functional impairment , surgery , anatomy , pathology
The pathogenesis and treatment of rupture of the Achilles tendon remain a source of controversy. This study presents the results of a biomechanical, functional, and morphological evaluation of a group of rats that had division and repair of the Achilles tendon. A total of 46 rats were used: 18 for biomechanical testing, 18 for functional evaluation, and 10 for histology. Morphological examination revealed an early inflammatory response with loose connective tissue formation that was replaced gradually by fibroblasts and a collagenous matrix. The functional evaluation (Achilles functional index [AFI]) was made from measurements of the hind pawprints of walking rats. Division and repair of the Achilles tendon produced a significant functional impairment (mean [±SEM] AFI = −87 ± 8; p < 0.001), which gradually improved with healing time. The load to failure for the repaired tendons consistently improved with healing time, in a manner similar to the functional recovery. The average deformation (repair/control) varied considerably and was not related to healing time. The stiffness of the repaired tendons increased with healing time and was 60% of the corresponding control side by day 15. The major finding of this study was a strong correlation between the AFI and the failure load of the healing tendon‐bone constructs (250–300 g group, r = 0.97, p < 0.001; 325–375 g group, r = 0.96, p < 0.001).