In order to investigate cell-based tendon regeneration, a tendon rupture was simulated by utilizing a critical full-size model in female rat achilles tendons. For bridging the defect, polyglycol acid (PGA) and collagen type I scaffolds were used and fixed with a frame suture to ensure postoperatively a functional continuity. Scaffolds were seeded with mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) or tenocytes derived from male animals, while control groups were left without cells. After a healing period of 16 weeks, biomechanical, PCR, histologic, and electron microscopic analyses of the regenerates were performed. Genomic PCR for male-specific gene was used to detect transplanted cells in the regenerates. After 16 weeks, central ossification and tendon-like tissue in the superficial tendon layers were observed in all study groups. Biomechanical test showed that samples loaded with tenocytes had significantly better failure strength/cross-section ratio (P < 0.01) compared to MSC and the control groups whereas maximum failure strength was similar in all groups. Thus, we concluded that the application of tenocytes improves the outcome in this model concerning the grade of ossification and the mechanical properties in comparison to the use of MSC or just scaffold materials.

Our study shows that a huge variability in rehabilitation after Achilles tendon rupture exists. This study shows different strategies in rehabilitation of Achilles tendon ruptures using a convertible vacuum brace system. To improve patient care, further clinical as well as biomechanical studies need to be conducted. This study might serve as basis for prospective randomized controlled trials to optimize rehabilitation for Achilles tendon ruptures.

This study shows that the healed Achilles tendon after rupture has inferior elastic properties even after a long-term healing phase. Differences in elastic properties after rupture mainly originate from the mid-substance of the Achilles tendon, in which most of the ruptures occur. Elastographic results do not correspond with subjective perception. Clinically, sonoelastographical measurements of biomechanical properties can be useful to provide objective insights in tendon recovery.

No abstract

Therapy options for ruptured Achilles tendons need to take into account the right balance of timing, amount and intensity of loading to ensure a sufficient biomechanical resilience of the healing tendon on the one hand, and to enable an adequate tensile stimulus on the other hand. However, biomechanical data of human Achilles tendons after rupture during the separate healing stages are unknown. Shear wave elastography is an ultrasound technique that measures material elastic properties non-invasively, and was proven to have a very good correlation to biomechanical studies. Taking advantage of this technology, 12 patients who suffered from an acute Achilles tendon rupture were acquired and monitored through the course of one year after rupture. Nine of these patients were treated non-operatively and were included for the analysis of biomechanical behaviour. A significant increase of material elastic properties was observed within the first six weeks after trauma (up to 80% of baseline value), where it reached a plateau phase. A second significant increase occurred three to six months after injury. This pilot study suggests a time correlation of biomechanical properties with the biological healing phases of tendon tissue. In the reparative phase, a substantial amount of biomechanical resilience is restored already, but the final stage of biomechanical stability is reached in the maturation phase. These findings can potentially be implemented into treatment and aftercare protocols.