Effects of exogenous basic fibroblast growth factor on in-sheathed tendon healing and adhesion

Jiagen SHENG; Bingfang ZENG; Peizhu JIANG; Cunyi FAN

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND:

Basic flbroblast growth factor (bFGF) can promote tendon proliferation, collagen secretion,and out-sheathed tendon healing; however, effects on in-sheathed tendon are still unknown.

OBJECTIVE:

To explore the effects of exogenous bFGF on in-sheathed tendon healing and adhesion formation. DESIGN,TIME AND

SETTING:

A randomized controlled animal study, which was carried out in Experimental Animal Center, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital from May 2004 to February 2005.MATERIALS Ninety Leghorn chickens were randomly divided into 3 groups with 30 animals for each, and the right third digitorum longns tendon of the chicken was transected.

METHODS:

In the control group, the tendon was sutured in situ after transection. In the fibrin group,the tendon was sutured after 0.6 μL fibrin sealant (FS) was applied at repair site. In the bFGF group,the tendon was sutured after 0.6 μL FS mixed with 500 ng bFGF was applied at repair site. MAIN OUTCOME

MEASURES:

At 1,2,4 and 8 weeks postoperatively, the tendons of 6 chickens in each group were harvested for morphological and histological evaluation.Another six specimens of each group was obtained for biomechanical test at 8 weeks.

RESULTS:

There were no significant differences between control group and fibrin group. In bFGF group compared with control and fibrin groups, appearance of the angiogenesis,fibroblast proliferation and collagen production in the sheath, epitenon and parenchyrna at repair site occurred earlier and were more in quantity,the gliding excursion of the tendon was shorter, and the work of flexion and the ultimate tensile strength of the tendon were greater.

CONCLUSION:

The exogenous bFGF at tendon repair site can facilitate in-sheathed tendon healing, but also increase the tendon adhesion.