New technique for producing uniform partial lacerations of tendons

Abstract

Previous experimental studies of partial flexor tendon lacerations have used tendons cut by hand with magnification and a scalpel. When we biomechanically tested chicken flexor tendons lacerated by hand through 75% of their cross-sectional area, the tensile strength of the residual tendons varied substantially among specimens from different chickens as well as between digit matched pairs of tendons from the same animal. A device was designed that uses standard scalpel blades to create a uniform tendon laceration by leaving a constant area of tendon intact regardless of original tendon size or shape. With the instrument we have called the "tenotome," a second group of chicken flexor tendons were lacerated through 75% of their cross-sectional area. Biomechanical testing of the tendons cut with the tenotome showed significantly less variation when compared with the tendons cut by hand. Use of the tenotome permits the establishment of a more uniform model for partial flexor tendon injuries, and potentially decreases the number of specimens needed to demonstrate statistical significance.

Histological analysis of achilles tendons in an overuse rat model

“…6,8,[10][11][12] A validated model for the study of tendon pathology would be a useful tool for investigation of tendon biology and response to therapeutic interventions. 13 Experimental tendonopathies have been induced in rat and rabbit models by partial tendon laceration, 14 needle puncture, 15 or injection. 16 Others have attempted more physiological approaches based upon overuse etiologies [17][18][19] because the etiology of tendon disease has been cited to involve overuse.…”

Experimental model of Achilles tendon injury in rats

“…These conditions have been simulated through partial lesion, partial tissue laceration, tendinitis, tendinosis, transecctions, hole punction, incisional wound, dropping, total transection, longitudinal lesion and hemisecction on Achilles tendon [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12] . Techniques to prevent injury or accelerate healing after injury can be tested in these models.…”

Experimental model of Achilles tendon injury in rats (914.10)

“…There are several pathologic conditions more common that occur to tendons and most appropriate to model as partial and complete tissue injuries and clinically these injuries often do not heal properly leading to significant morbidity and often require reconstructive surgery. These conditions have been simulated through partial lesion, partial tissue laceration, tendinitis, tendinosis, transecctions, hole punction, incisional wound, dropping, total transection, longitudinal lesion and hemisecction on Achilles tendon [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12] . Techniques to prevent injury or accelerate healing after injury can be tested in these models.…”