Abstract
The rate of rerupture of repaired Achilles tendon in young and athletic populations
remains high despite improvement in surgical techniques, suture design, and postsurgical
management. Acellular biological matrices can be used to enhance the immediate strength
of repaired tendons and to serve as scaffolds for cell in-growth and constructive
tissue remodeling. A number of commercially available matrices have been used clinically,
albeit with varying degrees of success and failure. The disparity is likely attributable
to the different physical and biochemical properties of individual matrices. In this
study, we investigated the biomechanical characteristics of 2 different acellular
collagen matrices, namely TissueMend® and GraftJacket®, using a sheep Achilles tendon repair model. Static and cyclic creep, cyclic and
linear construct stiffness, maximum load to failure, and displacement at maximum load
were determined at time zero. We found that the maximum load to failure, displacement,
and ultimate failure mode were similar between tendons augmented with either acellular
collagen matrix; however, TissueMend augmentation yielded lower creep and smaller
construct elongation than did GraftJacket. The results indicated that the strength
of TissueMend-augmented tendons and GraftJacket-augmented tendons was not statistically
significantly different, although tendons augmented with TissueMend displayed greater
stiffness, which may be clinically advantageous in the restoration of ruptured tendons.
Level of Clinical Evidence
Keywords
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Article info
Footnotes
Financial Disclosure: This investigation was funded and carried out by investigators at Stryker Orthopaedics, Mahwah, New Jersey.
Conflict of Interest: Drs. Song, Spalazzi, and Davisson are employed by Stryker Orthopaedics, with expertise in the study of orthobiologics and stem cell research. Dr. Olsen is a paid consultant to Stryker Orthopaedics. Stryker Orthopaedics markets TissueMend® Advanced Soft Tissue Repair Matrix.
Identification
Copyright
© 2010 American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
