Establishment of an in vivo turkey model for the study of flexor tendon repair

Abstract

Flexor tendon injuries are common and pose a clinical challenge for functional restoration. The purpose of our study was to assess the adequacy of the turkey as a large animal model for flexor tendon injuries in vivo. Twenty-four male turkeys underwent surgical flexor tendon cut and repair. Turkeys were allocated to five groups postoperatively: (1) foot casted in extension and sacrificed after 3 weeks; (2) foot casted in extension and sacrificed after 6 weeks; (3) foot casted in flexion and sacrificed after 3 weeks; (4) foot casted in flexion and sacrificed after 6 weeks; and (5) foot casted in flexion for 6 weeks and then free roaming allowed for an additional 3 weeks before sacrifice. After sacrifice, digits were collected and analyzed for adhesion formation, healing at the macrolevel and histologically, and biomechanical properties-including friction, work of flexion, stiffness, and strength of repair. All turkeys survived anesthesia and surgery. Tendon rupture occurred in all extension casts and in 11% of those casted in flexion. Friction and work of flexion were significantly higher in the repaired digit than the control digit. There was a correlation between duration of immobilization and repair strength. Histologically, the tendon healed with tenocytes migrating into the gap and producing collagen fibers. We have, for the first time, studied flexor tendon injury and repair using turkeys in terms of anesthesia, surgical procedures, postoperative care, and animal husbandry. The findings regarding functional and histological results from this novel avian model were comparable to the most commonly used mammal model. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:2497-2505, 2018.

Isolation and characterization of turkey bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells

“…More recently, Kadar et al established a turkey flexor tendon repair in vivo model and reported the details regarding turkey husbandry, anesthesia, surgical procedures, and postoperative care. Turkeys were housed in a kennel run with adequate space per animal and were subjected to perioperative management similar to mammals . With the successful development of turkey in vivo model, the isolation, and characterization of MSCs from the bone marrow is an essential step to extrapolate regenerative therapies from this novel preclinical large animal model for clinical management of flexor tendon injuries.…”

“…Turkeys were housed in a kennel run with adequate space per animal and were subjected to perioperative management similar to mammals. 15 With the successful development of turkey in vivo model, the isolation, and characterization of MSCs from the bone marrow is an essential step to extrapolate regenerative therapies from this novel preclinical large animal model for clinical management of flexor tendon injuries. In this study, a population of plastic-adherent cells derived from 8-to 12-month-old heritage-breed turkey's bone marrow was identified.…”

“…In particular, synovial, and vincular nutrition are both available to turkey flexor tendons which mimics human situation . The post‐operative rehabilitation is also possible to be performed in either passive or active modes . These merits enable turkey to be a novel large animal model for flexor tendon‐related studies.…”

A review of recent advances in tribology

“…Tribology in other systems: Whilst tribology is important in synovial joints, other parts in the musculoskeletal system may also experience relative motions, such as the tendon. Friction in tendon repair was shown equally important [515]. Tribology at cellular levels: The effect of friction on cell behaviors was investigated in a number of studies [516,517].…”

An In Vivo Comparison: Novel Mesh Suture Versus Traditional Suture-Based Repair in a Rabbit Tendon Model

“…With the exception of a single study in the rabbit forepaw, 2 in chickens, and 1 in a turkey, the majority of in vivo tendon healing studies have been performed in canine models. 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 However, canine studies are expensive and encounter significant regulatory limitations. We believe that this rabbit hindlimb model presents a new and exciting alternative model for future studies of tendon healing, although the correlation between rabbit and human tendon healing must be further studied.…”