Comparison of two recently developed flexor tendon techniques with Modified Kessler and Tang Techniques to start early active rehabilitation

In this study we compared two newly developed tendon suture methods with widely accepted Modified Kessler and Tang techniques based on histological and biomechanical evalutaion results.24 New Zelland rabbits assigned into four different study groups. There were six rabbits in each group. Second and third flexor digitorum superficialis tendon of right front leg of all rabbits were incised surgically and later tendons were repaired in accordance with the group prothocol. In groups A and B newly designed sutures were tested, while in groups M and T Modified Kessler and Tang techniques were used for comparison purposes. Half of the rabbits in each group were sacrified in third week of treatment, remaining half of the rabbits were sacrified at the sixth weeks of treatment. Third finger flexor tendons were inspected histologically for fibroblast number, collagen ratio, vasculogenesis, collagen orientation. Second finger flexor tendons were used for biomechanical evaluations, namely 2 mm Gap formation and rupture forces.Histologically the tendons in group A and B resulted in better collagen formation and orientation compared to group M and T. Fibroblast numbers were lower than the other groups. Biomechanically tendons in group A has better 2 mm gap formation and rupture forces in 6th week.As a conclusion; group A performed as a more durable repair method and is more suitable for early rehabilitation than all other three techniques.