Experimental Study on Repair of Lacerated Tendons

The distribution of intratendinous vessels of the flexor tendon of chickens was observed by microangiography using the ink injection method, and it was confirmed that the distribution was similar to that in man. Semi-tranverse excision of the tendon was performed at a site with an abundance of vessels and to healing process was observed in four groups classified as follows: Those in which the tendon sheath was intact, those in which it was excised, those in which circulation was intact and those in which it was obstructed. In the sheath and circulation intact groups; the endotenon was found to primarily fill the gap at the site of lacertion, there was no thickening of the tendon and the tendon was restored to normal ealier. However, in the sheath excised and circulation obstructed groups, there was excessive proliferation of the epitenon, generalized thickening of the tendon and although there was filling of the gap with epitenons, maturation of granulation tissue was markedly delayed. Thus, it was learned that intratendinous circulation is highly important for healing of the tendon. Therefore, a study was undertaken to observe microangiographically the effects on intratendinous vessels of such tendon suture procedures as the Bunnell Method, the Modified Kessler Method and Tsuge Method. Results revealed that the Tsuge Method did not injure the intratendinous vessels, and thus was considered to be one of the outstanding tendon suture procedures.