Abstract
The primary goal of this study was to evaluate a cross-linked acellular porcine dermal
patch (APD), as well as platelet-rich plasma fibrin matrix (PRPFM), for repair of
acute Achilles tendon rupture in a sheep model. The 2 surgically transected tendon
ends were reapproximated in groups 1 and 2, whereas a gap was left between the tendon
ends in group 3. APD was used to reinforce the repair in group 2, and autologous PRPFM
was used to fill the gap, which was also reinforced with APD, in group 3. All sheep
were humanely euthanized at 24 weeks after the repair, and biomechanical and histological
testing were performed. Tensile strength testing showed a statistically significant
difference in elongation between the operated limb and the unoperated contralateral
limb in groups 1 and 3, but not in group 2. All operated tendons appeared healed with
no apparent fibrosis under light and polarized microscopy. In group 1, all surgical
separation sites were identifiable, and healing occurred via increasing tendon thickness.
In group 2, healing occurred with new tendon fibers across the separation, without
increasing tendon thickness in 2 out of 6 animals. Group 3 showed complete bridging
of the gap, with no change in tendon thickness in 2 out of 6 animals. In groups 2
and 3, peripheral integration of the APD to tendon fibers was observed. These findings
support the use of APD, alone or with PRPFM, to augment Achilles tendon repair in
a sheep model.
Level of Clinical Evidence
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: February 05, 2010
Footnotes
Financial Disclosure: Zimmer Orthobiologics, Inc., provided a research grant that funded this investigation.
Conflict of Interest: Hali Wang, PhD, is employed by Zimmer Orthobiologics, Inc., 9301 Amberglen Blvd., Suite 100, Austin, TX 78729.
This study was approved by the Animal Care and Use Committee at Colorado State University (CSU).
Identification
Copyright
© 2010 American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
