Use of a perichondrial autograft on the peritendinous adhesion: an experimental study in rabbits

Objective: The aim of this experimental study was to evaluate the use of a clinically available perichondrium graft as an adjunct to surgical tendon repair. Methods: Eight male New Zealand white rabbits of similar height and weight were used in this study. The left and right Achilles tendons were used as the experimental and control group, respectively. Perichondrium grafts were harvested from the right ears of the rabbits. Both Achilles tendons were clearly cut and repaired. After the repair, the perichondrium graft was wrapped around the tendon repair sites of the left Achilles tendons. Rabbits were sacrificed after six weeks and the tendons were examined macroscopically and histopathologically. Results: Macroscopically and histopathologically, less adhesion occurred when the perichondrium graft was wrapped around the tendon repair site compared to the control group. Conclusion: Perichondrium graft may isolate the repaired tendon and may reduce scar formation and adhesions during the healing period.