Biochemistry and biomechanics of healing tendon: Part I. Effects of rigid plaster casts and functional casts

Lisa Stehno-Bittel, G. Kesava Reddy, Steven Gum, Chukuka S. Enwemeka

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

28 Citations (Scopus)

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 languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)788-793
Number of pages6
JournalMedicine and Science in Sports and Exercise
Volume30
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1998
Externally publishedYes

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

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Biochemistry and biomechanics of healing tendon: Part I. Effects of rigid plaster casts and functional casts'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this