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A Novel Tenorrhaphy Suture Technique with Tissue Engineered Collagen Graft to Repair Large Tendon Defects
Published on: December 10, 2021
Augmented tendon Achilles repair using a tissue reinforcement scaffold: a biomechanical study
Eric Giza1, Lauren Frizzell, Randall Farac
1Department of Orthopaedics, 4860 Y Street, #3880, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA. eric.giza@ucdmc.ucdavis.edu
Foot & Ankle International
|July 8, 2011
Summary
Artelon® Tissue Reinforcement (ATR) significantly improved Achilles tendon repair strength in cadaver models. This synthetic scaffold enhances load to failure, potentially enabling faster patient rehabilitation after chronic ruptures.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Biomaterials Science
- Biomechanical Engineering
Background:
- Chronic Achilles tendon ruptures often require augmentation due to muscle atrophy and retraction.
- Synthetic, degradable scaffolds like Artelon® Tissue Reinforcement (ATR) are used to reinforce tendon repairs.
- Evaluating ATR's efficacy in human cadaveric Achilles tendon repair is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the biomechanical properties of human cadaveric Achilles tendon repairs augmented with ATR versus standard suture repair.
- To assess the ultimate load to failure and creep in augmented and non-augmented Achilles tendon repairs.
Main Methods:
- Human cadaveric Achilles tendons were transected and repaired using sutures (control) or sutures with an ATR patch (experimental).
- Specimens underwent preloading and cyclic loading before testing ultimate load to failure.
- Creep was measured under cyclic loading conditions.
Main Results:
- ATR-augmented repairs demonstrated a significantly higher mean ultimate load to failure (370.4 N) compared to controls (248.1 N) (p=0.0015).
- The ATR group exhibited less creep (2.0 mm) than the control group (3.1 mm) (p=0.026).
- These findings indicate enhanced mechanical stability with ATR augmentation.
Conclusions:
- Artelon® Tissue Reinforcement (ATR) significantly enhances the load-to-failure strength of Achilles tendon repairs in a human cadaver model.
- The improved mechanical properties suggest ATR may facilitate more aggressive rehabilitation protocols for chronic Achilles tendon injuries.
- ATR represents a promising biomaterial for augmenting Achilles tendon repairs, potentially improving patient outcomes.
