WOUND-HEALING OF TENDON .1. PHYSICAL, MECHANICAL AND METABOLIC CHANGES

The wound healing process of New Zealand rabbit extensor digitorum communis tendon was studied from the fifth through thirteenth post-surgical day by concurrent observation of physical, mechanical, and biochemical properties. Mechanical testing was by isometric thermic denaturation followed by biochemical assay of tendon and the physiological saline bathing medium for collagen protein and acid mucopolysaccharides. The changes observed in the physical properties showed an increased dry tendon weight and tendon cross-sectional area relative to intact tendon. Mechanical property changes resulted in a lower shrink temperature compared to intact tendon, increased tendon denaturation slope, and increased tension values with healing time. The changes in the biochemical parameters were increased concentration levels of soluble hydroxyproline, soluble protein, and insoluble hexosamine relative to intact tendon. Implications of the property changes to collagen structure are discussed.