Abstract
Purpose: Traditional treatment of surgically repaired Achilles tendons includes complete immobilization of the joint in rigid casts for 6 to 8 wk. We tested the use of functional polyurethane casts as an alternative to rigid plaster casts after experimental tenotomy and repair of the rabbit Achilles tendon. Methods: After repair the limbs of 15 experimental rabbits were immobilized in a functional polyurethane east for 15 d, while those of 14 controls were immobilized in traditional rigid plaster casts for the same period. Results: Functional casting resulted in a 60% increase in total collagen in the neotendon compared with that in rigid casting (P < 0.05). Mature collagen cross-links declined 8% in the tendons with functional casts. The biomechanical parameters of the tendons changed with functional casting, showing a 20% increase in maximum load and 21% increase in maximum stress. Conclusions: These changes were noted without any cases of tendon re-rupture in either type of cast. Thus, functional casting following surgery of Achilles tendons appears to improve healing without significant risks of re- rupture.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 788-793 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise |
Volume | 30 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1998 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Collagen cross-links
- Collagen synthesis
- Polyurethane cast
- Tendon healing
- Tensile strength
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation
- Orthopedics and Sports Medicine