[The effect of repair of paratendon in tendon healing]

In order to investigate the effect of repair of paratendon in tendon healing, two different ways were performed to repair the transected extensor tendons of chick's toe. End to end suture of the extensor tenon was performed in group 1 while the paratendon was also repaired simultaneously in addition to suture of the tendon in group 2. Gross observation and histological examination were undertaken in the 3rd and 6th week after operation. The result showed, in group 1, extensive adhesion and irregular proliferation of fibroblasts was found in the 3rd week, severe adhesion and irregular arrangement of fibroblasts with less collagen fiber was found in the 6th week; while in group 2, smooth and regular "fusiform structure" was formed, slight adhesion and regular proliferation of fibroblasts were found in the 3rd week, adhesion disappeared and the structure of paratendon and tondon recovered in the 6th week. It was concluded that repair of extensor tendon and paratendon simultaneously could promote the intrinsic tendon healing and prevent tendon adhesion.