Novel Application of Theranekron® Enhanced the Structural and Functional Performance of the Tenotomized Tendon in Rabbits

Abstract

The effects of Tarantula cubensis extract (TC; Theranekron®) on the experimentally induced rupture of the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) 28 days post-injury (DPI) was studied in rabbits. Forty mature White New Zealand male rabbits were randomly divided into two groups. TC was repeatedly injected subcutaneously over the lesion 3, 7 and 10 days after tenotomy and surgical anastomosis. Clinical and ultrasonographic evaluations were conducted at weekly intervals. The animals were euthanized 28 DPI and the tendons were investigated for macroscopic, histopathologic, ultrastructural, biomechanical and percent dry weight parameters. Treatment reduced signs of acute inflammation and strongly ameliorated clinical symptoms, structural organization and biomechanical properties (p < 0.05). Apparently, TC is effective in restoring the clinical, morphological and biomechanical properties of the injured SDFT in rabbits and may be valuable in human and veterinary medicine.

Tendon and Ligament Tissue Engineering, Healing and Regenerative Medicine

“…Based on the anatomic position of these structures, extra synovial tendons are covered by paratenon and intrasynovial tendons and ligaments are covered by a synovium or synovial sheath ( Figure 1) [1][2][3]12]. In general tendons and ligaments have low cellularity consisting of mature fibroblast or tenoblasts and fibrocytes or tenocytes [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11]. Thus, more than 90% of the dry matter of tendons and ligaments are collagenous in nature with a little cellularity and other tissue compositions such as glycosaminoglycans and elastic fibers [3,12].…”

“…bone fixation using plating techniques; tissue dissection, etc.) [4][5][6][7][8]. In addition, these types of injuries have been reported to occur as a result of vehicular trauma [9][10][11].…”

“…Flexor tendon injuries are challenging problems for orthopedic surgeons due to three main reasons [2,4,64]. Firstly, flexor tendon injury in hand is a clinical problem because it cannot heal without surgical treatment, as the two ends need to be surgically brought together for the healing to occur unlike other tendons including the Achilles tendon where it could be placed into plantar flexion to heal [8][9][10][11]64]. Secondly postoperative management needs to be carefully planned as mobilization has shown to be essential to prevent adhesions and improve gliding but this can risk rupture.…”

“…This has been shown to be effective in short term, in vivo [27]. It is also possible to reduce the weight bearing by casting the injured limb [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11]. However, the first and second strategies are more advantageous than the latter one because casting the injured limb increases the development of peritendinous adhesion, muscle fibrosis and atrophy [2].…”

“…The incidence of tendon and ligament injuries is high and several peoples are presented with these injuries to orthopedic surgery [1][2][3][4][5]. Tendon and ligaments are low vascularized tissues and have low healing capacity and capability; therefore management of tendon and ligament injuries is technically demanding [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12]. Regardless of the acute or chronic nature of the tendon and ligament injuries, surgical reconstruction of the large and massive tissue defects is a more complicated situation [13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21].…”