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A Novel Tenorrhaphy Suture Technique with Tissue Engineered Collagen Graft to Repair Large Tendon Defects
Published on: December 10, 2021
A new method in tendon repair: angular technique of interlocking (ATIK).
Bekir Atik1, Onder Tan, Ali Dogan
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Medical Faculty, Yuzuncu Yil University, Van, Turkey. drbekiratik@yahoo.com
Annals of Plastic Surgery
|April 30, 2008
Summary
The new angular technique of interlocking (ATIK) shows superior in vivo strength for flexor tendon repair compared to the Modified Kessler method. This enhanced strength may reduce adhesion risks and improve healing potential after surgery.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Biomedical engineering
- Tissue repair
Background:
- Adhesion formation is a significant risk after flexor tendon repair, even with passive rehabilitation.
- Active tendon mobilization is increasingly recommended to prevent adhesions.
- Tendon repair strength is crucial to withstand active forces during healing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and evaluate a novel flexor tendon repair technique: the angular technique of interlocking (ATIK).
- To compare the biomechanical properties of ATIK with the Modified Kessler method in vivo and in vitro.
Main Methods:
- Flexor tendons in chickens were repaired using either the Modified Kessler or ATIK technique.
- Biomechanical properties of the repaired tendons were assessed in four groups (10 chickens each).
- Comparisons were made under both in vitro and in vivo conditions.
Main Results:
- No significant biomechanical differences were observed between the ATIK and Modified Kessler techniques in vitro.
- The ATIK technique demonstrated statistically significant superiority in in vivo studies.
- This suggests enhanced strength and stability of the ATIK repair in a living organism.
Conclusions:
- The ATIK technique offers improved in vivo biomechanical performance for flexor tendon repair.
- Enhanced tendon repair strength can increase healing potential and reduce the risk of rupture during active mobilization.
- ATIK may be a valuable advancement in surgical repair of flexor tendons, potentially minimizing postoperative complications like adhesions.
