Healing of the Achilles tendon: an experimental study.

Full Abstract

Biomechanical properties of healing ruptures in the Achilles tendon of rabbits were examined after two, four, eight and 12 weeks. Treatment modalities were (n7): a) suture, b) fibrin-glue, c) non-surgical treatment. All animals received a functional aftertreatment consisting of a special orthotic support and free ambulation. For biomechanical testing a fixation-technique was applied that guaranteed intratendinous rupture. After two weeks, the tendons treated with fibrin glue showed better results (stiffness, maximum force to rupture, tensile stress to rupture) compared with the non-surgically treated group. The results for sutured tendons were in between those for the other groups. After four weeks, the results for sutured and for glued tendons were nearly equal and slightly better than the tendons in the non-surgical group. Late results revealed comparable biomechanical properties among all treatment groups and control tendons, suggesting our conclusion that non-surgical treatment is equal to repair using sutures or using fibrin glue as measured by stiffness and tensile stress.

Author information

Author/s: Thermann, H (H); Frerichs, O (O); Biewener, A (A); Krettek, C (C);

Affiliation: Trauma Department Hannover Medical School, Germany. thermann(-atsign-)atos.de

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Comparative Study; Journal Article

Journal: Foot & ankle international / American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society [and] Swiss Foot and Ankle Society (Foot Ankle Int), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2001-Jun; vol 22 (issue 6) : pp 478-83

Dates: Created 2001/07/27; Completed 2002/01/11; Revised 2006/11/15;

PMID: 11475454, status: MEDLINE (last retrieved date: 2/18/2009)

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