Reconstruction of sheath with fascial graft in flexor tendon repair. An experimental study.

Using chicken's toes as an experimental model, we compared the healing process and function recovery of partially injured flexor tendons when the sheath was repaired with fascial graft, sheath patch or was left as a defect. Post-operatively, the toes were immobilised or mobilised immediately. Histological study and the measurement of tendon sliding revealed that the sheath reconstruction and mobilised groups were better than the sheath defect or immobilised groups. We also found the fascial graft was superior in the reconstruction of tendon sheath and may become synovial-like tissue under the sliding pressure of the tendon.