Assaf Kadar1, Andrew R Thoreson2, Ramona L Reisdorf2, Peter C Amadio2, Steven L Moran2, Chunfeng Zhao3. 1. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Orthopedic Biomechanics Laboratory, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota; Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel. 2. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Orthopedic Biomechanics Laboratory, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota. 3. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Orthopedic Biomechanics Laboratory, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota. Electronic address: zhaoc@mayo.edu.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Flexor tendon injuries are one of the most common hand injuries and remain clinically challenging for functional restoration. Canine and chicken have been the most commonly used animal models for flexor tendon-related research but possess several disadvantages. The purpose of this study was to explore a potential turkey model for flexor tendon research. METHODS: The third digit from human cadaveric hands, canine forepaws, turkey foot, and chicken foot were used for this study. Six digits in each of four species were studied in detail, comparing anatomy of the flexor apparatus, joint range of motioņ tendon excursion, tendon cross-sectional area, work of flexion, gliding resistance at the level of the A2 pulley, modulus of elasticity, suture retention strength, and histology across species. RESULTS: Anatomically, the third digit in the four species displayed structural similarities; however, the tendon cross-sectional area of the turkey and human were similar and larger than canine and chicken. Furthermore, the turkey digit resembles the human's finger with the lack of webbing between digits, similar vascularization, tendon excursion, work of flexion, gliding resistance, mechanical properties, and suture holding strength. More importantly, human and turkey tendons were most similar in histological appearance. CONCLUSIONS: Turkey flexor tendons have many properties that are comparable to human flexor tendons which would provide a clinically relevant, economical, nonhuman companion large animal model for flexor tendon research.
BACKGROUND: Flexor tendon injuries are one of the most common hand injuries and remain clinically challenging for functional restoration. Canine and chicken have been the most commonly used animal models for flexor tendon-related research but possess several disadvantages. The purpose of this study was to explore a potential turkey model for flexor tendon research. METHODS: The third digit from human cadaveric hands, canine forepaws, turkey foot, and chicken foot were used for this study. Six digits in each of four species were studied in detail, comparing anatomy of the flexor apparatus, joint range of motioņ tendon excursion, tendon cross-sectional area, work of flexion, gliding resistance at the level of the A2 pulley, modulus of elasticity, suture retention strength, and histology across species. RESULTS: Anatomically, the third digit in the four species displayed structural similarities; however, the tendon cross-sectional area of the turkey and human were similar and larger than canine and chicken. Furthermore, the turkey digit resembles the human's finger with the lack of webbing between digits, similar vascularization, tendon excursion, work of flexion, gliding resistance, mechanical properties, and suture holding strength. More importantly, human and turkey tendons were most similar in histological appearance. CONCLUSIONS:Turkey flexor tendons have many properties that are comparable to human flexor tendons which would provide a clinically relevant, economical, nonhuman companion large animal model for flexor tendon research.
Authors: Michael J Forthofer Bs; Katherine M Arnold Ms; Ramona L Reisdorf Bs; Peter C Amadio Md; Chunfeng Zhao Md Journal: Mil Med Date: 2021-01-25 Impact factor: 1.437