[Histological study on the surviving processes of the free grafted tendon sheath]

This article reports the histological study on the surviving processes of the free grafted tendon sheath. The results showed that there were three phases in the surviving processes: inflammation phase, adaptation phase and function phase. The inflammation phase was from the first day to about the 10th day postoperatively and characterised by inflammatory changes in the grafted sheath. The adaptation phase was from about the 10th day to the fourth week. During this period, the grafted sheath formed solid healing with surrounding tissues, and adapts its nutritional supplies. The function phase began at the end of the fourth week. The grafted sheath restores the normal functions. The possible nutritional sources for maintaining the survival of the grafted sheath are discussed.