Comparison of the mechanical and histologic properties of Achilles tendons in New Zealand white rabbits secondarily repaired with Marlex mesh.

Over the years, there have been numberous reports on the treatment of tendo Achillis ruptures. Most of these dissertations have dealt with the treatment of acute ruptures versus the more technically challenging, neglected, ancient rupture. This paper will focus on the neglected rupture, with specific attention directed towards a new technique of surgical repair, using Marlex mesh. Through the exhaustive testing of the tendo Achillis of New Zealand white rabbits at intervals of 1, 3, and 6 months postimplantation, and subsequent implantation in a 13-month follow-up in an adult, it has been demonstrated that this biosynthetic tendon complex very closely approximates the physical properties of the normal tendo Achillis. Furthermore, through the use of histologic examination, it has been shown that this material actually forms a frame or bridgework for ingrowth of normal, orderly, collagen bundles, closely resembling those found in the original tendinous structure.