The response of the rabbit subsynovial connective tissue to a stress-relaxation test

The subsynovial connective tissue (SSCT) in the carpal tunnel may play a role in the etiology of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), yet the material properties of the SSCT remain unclear. Thus, we investigated the mechanical response of the SSCT in a rabbit model. Twenty-four rabbit cadaver paws were used for mechanical testing; two paws were used for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging. After testing normal tendon excursion, the divided third digit flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) tendon was pulled to displacements of 2, 3.5, 5, or 8 mm, maintained at that position until force decay, and then the process was repeated. Normal excursion of the FDS averaged 4.8 mm. The ratio of the second peak force to the first peak force in the 2 mm group was 0.98 (SD = 0.16), which was significantly higher than the other groups (3.5 mm: 0.74, 5 mm, 0.63, and 8 mm: 0.59; p < 0.05). SEM showed ruptured fibrils in the displaced specimen. The declining force ratio with displacements >2 mm suggests damage to the SSCT within the physiological tendon excursion. These data may be useful in understanding SSCT mechanics in CTS, which is associated with SSCT fibrosis.