Tendon surface modification by chemically modified HA coating after flexor digitorum profundus tendon repair

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Orthopedic Surgery
• Tendon Biomechanics

Background:

• Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a natural polysaccharide crucial for joint lubrication.
• Modified HA, such as carbodiimide derivatized HA (cd-HA), exhibits reduced water solubility, potentially increasing tissue residence time.
• Improved lubrication and prolonged residence time of biomaterials may benefit tendon repair and gliding function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effect of cd-HA gel on gliding resistance and repair integrity of tendons under simulated repetitive motion.
• To compare the performance of cd-HA gel against simple HA and a control group in a canine flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) tendon model.

Main Methods:

• 36 canine FDP tendons were divided into control, simple HA, and cd-HA groups.
• Modified Kessler technique repair was performed on all tendons.
• Gliding resistance was measured over 500 cycles of simulated repetitive motion.
• Post-gliding mechanical properties including failure load, stiffness, and gap formation resistance were assessed.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in gliding resistance was observed between groups for the first 10 cycles.
• From the 50th cycle onwards, cd-HA gel significantly reduced gliding friction compared to the control group (p < 0.05).
• No significant differences were found in breaking strength, tendon stiffness, or resistance to gap formation among the three groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusions:

• cd-HA gel demonstrates potential as a lubricating agent for repaired tendons, reducing friction during repetitive motion.
• The improved gliding characteristics of cd-HA gel do not appear to negatively impact the biomechanical integrity of the tendon repair.
• Further research may explore the clinical application of cd-HA gel in tendon healing and rehabilitation.