An evaluation of two autologous tendon grafting techniques in ponies.
Abstract: To compare the healing and mechanical strength of a multiple split autologous tendon graft (MG) to a whole autologous tendon graft (WG) in the deep digital flexor tendon of ponies. Methods: In vitro evaluation of two different tendon-grafting techniques. Methods: Six ponies of mixed gender and age. Methods: Tenotomies performed in forelimb deep digital flexor tendons (DDFT) distal to the insertion of the accessory ligament (AL-DDFT) were repaired with free autologous grafts from the hindlimb lateral digital extensor tendon (LDET). Grafts were either whole (WG) or split into three longitudinal strips (multiple graft, MG). Tendons and graft sites were collected and loaded (2.54 cm/s) to failure at either 4 or 8 weeks after surgery. Cross-sectional area was determined by both impression cast (IC) and an inkblot (IB) method. Tissue maturity and inflammation were evaluated by microscopy. Results: Gap formation was a consistent finding in all repair sites. No statistical differences were found in healing or mechanical variables between MG and WG techniques. The failure stress for the 8-week repairs (15.51 +/- 3.1 MPa IB and 11.73 +/- .77 MPa IC, 16.13 +/- 2.2 MPa IB and 10.22 +/- .76 MPa IC for MG and WG, respectively) were significantly greater (P <.0005) than for 4-week repairs (3.71 +/- 1.7 MPa IB and 2.68 +/- 1.44 MPa IC, 2.81 +/- 1.46 MPa IB and 2.3 +/- 1.7 MPa IC for MG and WG, respectively). The repair tissue was more mature (P <.05) at 8 weeks than at 4 weeks, but there was no significant difference in inflammatory responses at 4 and 8 weeks. Conclusions: There was a sixfold increase in strength between 4 and 8 weeks of healing, but no significant difference in healing or strength between the MG and WG techniques. Conclusions: In ponies, autologous tendon grafting contributes to a strong repair during the early convalescent period, but splitting a tendon graft seemingly offers no appreciable advantage over use of a whole graft.
Copyright 2002 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons
Publication Date: 2002-03-09 PubMed ID: 11884961DOI: 10.1053/jvet.2002.31048Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Evaluation Study
- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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This research investigates the healing and strength differences between two types of autologous tendon grafting techniques in ponies. The two methodologies, using a multiple split tendon graft and a whole tendon graft, resulted in no significant differences with respect to healing speed or sustainability.
Study Design and Methodology
The experiment used six mixed-gender ponies of varying ages. Tenotomies were conducted in the forelimb’s deep digital flexor tendons (DDFT), strategically distal to the point where the accessory ligament is inserted (AL-DDFT).
- Free autologous grafts, taken from the hindlimb lateral digital extensor tendon (LDET), were used to repair the DIGITS.
- These infrapatellar tendons were either left whole (Whole Graft-WG) or split into three longitudinal portions (Multiple Graft-MG).
- The tendons and graft sites were then collected and subjected to a load (2.54 cm/s) until failure point, either 4 or 8 weeks after the surgery.
- The cross-sectional area of the tendons was determined using two methods: an Impression Cast (IC) and an Inkblot (IB) measurement.
- Tissue maturity and inflammation levels were analyzed under a microscope.
Findings
Gap formation was observed consistently across all repair sites, regardless of whether the graft was a MG or WG. In terms of healing or mechanical strength, no statistical difference was identified between the two graft methods.
- The strength of the 8-week-old repairs was found to be significantly greater (p<0.0005) compared to those of 4 weeks.
- Microscopic assessment showed more matured tissue at the 8th week as compared to the 4th, but no significant differences in inflammatory responses across the two time points were noted.
Conclusions
In conclusion, due to these findings, it appears that both the multiple split and whole autologous tendon grafting approaches contribute to a successful early recovery in ponies. Yet, splitting the tendon graft does not seem to give any significant advantage over using a whole graft in terms of either healing speed or ultimate strength.
Cite This Article
APA
Reiners SR, Jann HW, Stein LE, Good JK, Claypool PL.
(2002).
An evaluation of two autologous tendon grafting techniques in ponies.
Vet Surg, 31(2), 155-166.
https://doi.org/10.1053/jvet.2002.31048 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Services, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater 74078, OK.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Female
- Forelimb / injuries
- Forelimb / surgery
- Horses / injuries
- Horses / surgery
- Male
- Tendon Injuries / surgery
- Tendon Injuries / veterinary
- Tendons / surgery
- Tendons / transplantation
- Transplantation, Autologous / veterinary
- Wound Healing
Citations
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