Wound healing of tendon--I. Physical, mechanical and metabolic changes.

Abaamet The wound healing process of New Zealand rabbit extensor digitorum communis tendon was studied from the fifth through th&ecnth post-surgical day by concurrent observation of physical, mechanical, and biochemical properties. Me&an&l testing was by isometric thcrmic 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 incrcasad dry tendon weight and tendon crosssectional area relative to intact tendon. Mechanical property changes resulted in a lower shrink temperature compared to intact tendon, increased tendon denaturation slope, and iacreostd tension values with healing time. The changes in the biochemical parameters were increased concentration levels of soluble hydroxyproline, soluble protein, and insoluble hexoaamine relative to intact tendon. Implications of the property changes to collagen structure are discussed.