ABSTRACT
Using a conventional free tendon graft, adhesion formation, with a consequent loss
of gliding ability, occurs if the surrounding soft tissue is heavily scarred. An animal
experiment was conducted, to evaluate whether a free vascularized tendon graft provides
a better gliding surface, with minimal adhesion formation.
In order to scar the gliding floor, the lateral aspect of the legs of 40 adult rabbits,
including the peroneus tendon and its surrounding soft tissue, was exposed to liquid
nitrogen. Two weeks after this induction of frostbite, all the rabbits were randomly
divided into two groups: a vascularized tendon graft group and a free tendon graft
group.
Histologic examination revealed less adhesion of the tendon to the surrounding soft
tissues in the vascularized tendon graft group. The tendon pull-out test demonstrated
that less pull-out weight was required for vascularized tendons. A microangiographic
study disclosed better circulation through the tendon graft and the surrounding soft
tissues in the vascularized tendons.
These results suggest that, even if scarring is heavy, the free vascularized tendon
graft is less likely to adhere to the surrounding soft tissue than the conventional
free tendon graft and, consequently, it provides a better gliding surface.
