An Experimental Model on the Biomechanical Behaviour of the Flexor Tendons in New Zealand Rabbits

In order to introduce new pharmacological agents with the intent to inhibit the adhesion formation, it is important to test such products on laboratory animals under a protocol that can evaluate the quantitative and qualitative aspects of healing of the tendons. Most experimental models focus on the tensile strength and histological analysis of the tendons, failing to sufficiently quantify the degree of the adhesion formation.

The experiment included six male New Zealand rabbits that underwent surgery of their right forepaws. The deep flexor tendon of the middle finger was transected and repaired and after six weeks the rabbits were killed. In order to assess the extent of adhesions, the functional stiffness of the tendons and the range of motion of the specimens' fingers was studied using a tensile testing machine. The setup used allowed the simultaneous recording of the specimens' motion and the pulling force values.

The mean values of the left and right forepaws were expressed in the same chart showing a clear difference between the operated and non operated forepaws.

Using a relatively simple set up in the laboratory we had the chance to focus on a more elaborate analysis of the data with the help of low cost and accessible software.