Effects of Tenotomy on Regenerating Anterior Tibial Muscle in Rats

The effect of tenotomy on the regeneration of anterior tibial muscle was studied in Wistar rats. Regeneration was induced by intramuscular injection of a local anesthetic, and tenotomy was performed at varying intervals post-injection. Muscles were examined using light and electron microscopy 30 days after sectioning the tendon. Results showed that tenotomy failed to prevent new muscle fibers formation, although it did hinder the recovery of normal muscle architecture, prompting atrophy and degeneration of regenerating fibers as a result of fibrosis, which led to defective reinnervation and vascularization. These alterations affected the deep or red region of the muscle; regeneration in the superficial region was not significantly modified.