Gliding properties of the flexor tendon in zone 2: tendon repair and pulley resection

Flexor tendon injuries can lead to significant morbidity and the repair of such injuries in zone 2 is technically demanding. Technical skills from bench models transfer very well to practical use, and many mechanical simulators have been developed for investigating optimal flexor tendon repairs. Embalmed cadavers are markedly different from fresh human tissue, and the latter is becoming increasingly difficult to obtain due to public concern over the handling of tissue removed from cadavers and the risk of transmissible diseases. Pig and chicken tendons have previously been used due to their similar anatomy to human tendons, to allow basic repair and mechanical testing of suture techniques. Turkey tendons are larger than chicken tendons, allowing for better handling but have not been studied or used routinely for flexor tendon studies. The outcome of flexor tendon repairs relies heavily on post-operative rehabilitation and a strong, trigger free tendon repair that can withstand active movements. The surface changes of a repaired tendon can lead to increased friction and therefore an increased risk of rupture. There are currently no studies in the literature that have looked at: 1) the anatomy of turkey feet and their relevance in tendon repair research; 2) surface changes to the flexor tendon following tendon repair; and 3) the effect of pulley resection following tendon repair in paired specimens from the same animal. There are no strong studies in the literature that show whether paired tendons from the same animal exhibit the same gliding properties under experimental settings. This research aims to answer these questions.