A Novel Application of Biosynthetic Tissue-Engineered Tridimensional Implant on Large Tendon Defects: A Comprehensive, Detailed, In Vivo Investigation with Significant Clinical Value

Abstract

This study was designed to investigate the effect of a biosynthetic implant on tendon healing in vivo. Fifty white New Zealand male rabbits were randomly divided into two groups, namely treated (n = 25) and control (n = 25) groups. A large gap was created in the Achilles tendon and was maintained by Kessler pattern. In the treated group, the implant was inserted in the injured area. No implant was used in the control group. Contrast radiography, hematology, and clinical examination were conducted during the course of the experiment. The animals were euthanized at 60 days post injury (DPI) and their Achilles tendons were subjected to the gross, histopathologic, and biomechanical analyses and the hydroxyproline content of these tendons was also evaluated. Another five treated animals, as a pilot group, were used to define the inflammatory reaction at 10 DPI. Severe inflammatory reaction was initiated by the partially degraded implant, at 10 DPI. However, at 60 DPI, the inflammation subsided, the implant was mostly removed but a few small remnants were still present in the injured area. The newly formed tendon, properly aligned along the longitudinal axis of the Achilles tendon replaced the collagen implant. In the control tendons, a loose areolar connective tissue which tightly adhered to the peri-tendinous tissue was the only regenerated structure in the injured area. At this stage, the treated tendons showed significantly higher ultimate strength (p = 0.001), yield strength (p = 0.001), and stiffness (p = 0.001) compared with the control ones. Application of the biosynthetic implant was a safe and effective option in managing the large tendon defects and could be considered as a substitute for autografts in clinical practice.