Enveloping bioabsorbable polyglycolide membrane and immobilization in Achilles tendon repair: A comparative experimental study on rabbits.

Using qualitative and histoquantitative methods, we investigated the effect of immobilization versus nonimmobilization on the biodegradation process, implant-tissue interaction, and scar formation after enveloping a rejoined rabbit Achilles tendon with a self-reinforced polyglycolide (SR-PGA) membrane. The soleus and gastrocnemius tendons of the right hind legs of 40 rabbits were transected. After suturing the ends, the seam was enveloped with the bioabsorbable membrane.

The impact of polyglycolide membrane on a tendon after surgical rejoining. A histological and histomorphometric analysis in rabbits.

Tissue response to self-reinforced polyglycolide (SR-PGA) membranes surrounding rejoined rabbit tendons was compared with tissue response to nonenveloped rejoined tendons, with special focus on scar formation and SR-PGA membrane biodegradation process. Both hind legs of 20 skeletally mature rabbits were operated on by transecting the plantaris longus tendons and rejoining the ends with sutures. The right side seams were enveloped with bioabsorbable SR-PGA membranes, while the left sides served as noncovered controls.