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Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research

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Open Access 01-12-2024 | Silicone | Research article

Replacement of tibialis cranialis tendon with polyester, silicone-coated artificial tendon preserves biomechanical function in rabbits compared to tendon excision only

Authors: Katrina L. Easton, Carter Hatch, Kaitlyn Stephens, Dylan Marler, Obinna Fidelis, Xiaocun Sun, Kristin M. Bowers, Caroline Billings, Cheryl B. Greenacre, David E. Anderson, Dustin L. Crouch

Published in: Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research | Issue 1/2024

Abstract

Background

Artificial tendons may be an effective alternative to autologous and allogenic tendon grafts for repairing critically sized tendon defects. The goal of this study was to quantify the in vivo hindlimb biomechanics (ground contact pressure and sagittal-plane motion) during hopping gait of rabbits having a critically sized tendon defect of the tibialis cranialis and either with or without repair using an artificial tendon.

Methods

In five rabbits, the tibialis cranialis tendon of the left hindlimb was surgically replaced with a polyester, silicone-coated artificial tendon (PET-SI); five operated control rabbits underwent complete surgical excision of the biological tibialis cranialis tendon in the left hindlimb with no replacement (TE).

Results

At 8 weeks post-surgery, peak vertical ground contact force in the left hindlimb was statistically significantly less compared to baseline for the TE group (p = 0.0215). Statistical parametric mapping (SPM) analysis showed that, compared to baseline, the knee was significantly more extended during stance at 2 weeks post-surgery and during the swing phase of stride at 2 and 8 weeks post-surgery for the TE group (p < 0.05). Also, the ankle was significantly more plantarflexed during swing at 2 and 8 weeks postoperative for the TE group (p < 0.05). In contrast, there were no significant differences in the SPM analysis among timepoints in the PET-SI group for the knee or ankle.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the artificial tibialis cranialis tendon effectively replaced the biomechanical function of the native tendon. Future studies should investigate (1) effects of artificial tendons on other (e.g., neuromuscular) tissues and systems and (2) biomechanical outcomes when there is a delay between tendon injury and artificial tendon implantation.

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Title: Replacement of tibialis cranialis tendon with polyester, silicone-coated artificial tendon preserves biomechanical function in rabbits compared to tendon excision only
Authors: Katrina L. Easton
Carter Hatch
Kaitlyn Stephens
Dylan Marler
Obinna Fidelis
Xiaocun Sun
Kristin M. Bowers
Caroline Billings
Cheryl B. Greenacre
David E. Anderson
Dustin L. Crouch
Publication date: 01-12-2024
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keyword: Silicone
Published in: Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research / Issue 1/2024
Electronic ISSN: 1749-799X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13018-024-04581-7

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Replacement of tibialis cranialis tendon with polyester, silicone-coated artificial tendon preserves biomechanical function in rabbits compared to tendon excision only

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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