Ex vivo strength comparison of bioabsorbable tendon plates and bioabsorbable suture in a 3-loop pulley pattern for repair of transected flexor tendons from horse cadavers.

The research article discusses a study that compared the strength and energy required for the failure of two types of bioabsorbable implants used in repairing transected deep digital flexor tendons in horses. The study concluded that the bioabsorbable tendon plates seemed to provide a stronger and more effective repair compared to the traditional 3-loop pulley method.

Research Methodology and Process

The experiment was performed with twelve pairs of deep digital flexor tendons that were harvested ex vivo from the forelimbs of equine cadavers. The tendons were transected, a cut was made 2 cm distal to the insertion of the distal check ligament of the deep digital flexor tendon.

• Custom-made Poly-L-lactic acid tendon plates were applied to the cylindrical surface of one tendon from each pair.
• The matching tendon from each pair was repaired using the traditional 3-loop pulley method.
• In both cases, a size 2 polydioxanone suture was used for the repair.

The strength of the reparations were then tested by tension to failure. The peak force and total energy at the time of repair failure were recorded.

Statistical Analysis of the Results

The researchers used a paired t-test for the statistical evaluation of the recorded results. It was considered statistically significant if the P-value was less than or equal to 0.05.

Results of the Study

• The mean peak force for failure of the plated tendons was notably higher than that of the sutured tendons.
• The total energy at the time of failure was equally significantly greater for the plated tendons than the sutured tendons.

Conclusions of the Study

The researchers concluded from the statistical analysis of their experimental results that the bioabsorbable tendon plates appear to provide better immediate failure strength than the 3-loop pulley repairs.

However, they also highlighted the need for in vivo testing to confirm if a bioabsorbable tendon plate could provide increased initial strength to support tendon healing and consequently lessen external coaptation requirements.