TY - JOUR AU - Gersoff, Wayne K.; Bozynski, Chantelle C.; Cook, Cristi R.; Pfeiffer, Ferris M.; Kuroki, Keiichi; Cook, James L. TI - Evaluation of a Novel Degradable Synthetic Biomaterial Patch for Augmentation of Tendon Healing in a Large Animal Model SN - 1538-8506 SN - 1938-2480 PY - 2019 JO - J Knee Surg JF - The Journal of Knee Surgery LA - EN VL - 32 IS - 05 SP - 434 EP - 440 ET - 2018/04/27 DA - 2019/05/03 KW - tendon repair KW - autografts KW - synthetic scaffolds KW - poly (urethane urea) patch KW - preclinical canine models AB - Tendon injury is common in sports. The standard of care (SOC) for tendon repair is surgical treatment. However, restored tendons often lack complete strength and functionality, and surgical repair is often unsuccessful. This controlled laboratory study investigates the healing of an Artelon patch (AP)-augmented tendon versus tendon repair alone in a preclinical canine patellar tendon defect model. Full-thickness proximal and distal flap defects were created in the patella tendons of eight purpose-bred research mongrel dogs. Dogs were randomly allocated into either the AP-augmented repair group or the SOC group (N = 8; four knees per group). Outcomes measures included limb function and pain; range of motion (ROM) and ultrasound assessment at 2, 4, and 8 weeks; and measurements of elongation, biomechanical testing, and histology at 8 weeks. Data were compared for statistically significant differences to preoperative measures and between groups (p < 0.05). The AP group had higher limb function scores compared with the SOC group at 2, 4, and 8 weeks, with statistically significant differences observed at 2 weeks (AP: 7.1 ± 1.4, SOC: 5.5 ± 0.4, p < 0.05) and 8 weeks (AP: 9.5 ± 0.7, SOC: 7.0 ± 0.9, p < 0.05). The ROM was significantly higher for the AP group at 4 weeks (AP: 105 degrees ± 4, SOC: 89 degrees ± 5, p < 0.05). Pain scores were statistically significantly lower in the AP group at 4 (AP: 0.6 ± 0.5, SOC: 2.2 ± 0.5) and 8 weeks (p < 0.05 for both comparisons). All animals in the AP group displayed full bridging tissue at week 4, while most animals of the SOC group displayed full bridging by week 8. Minimal tendon elongation was observed in both groups. Significantly more force was required to elongate tendons in the AP group compared with the SOC group (p < 0.05). Animals with AP-augmented tendon repair show an earlier regain of function, earlier regain of range of movement, less postoperative pain, and improved tendon strength when compared with animals treated with tendon repair alone. PB - Thieme Medical Publishers DO - 10.1055/s-0038-1646930 UR - http://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/abstract/10.1055/s-0038-1646930 ER -