Regional differences in matrix formation in the healing flexor tendon.

In 20 white leghorn chickens, the effect of proximity (proximal vs. distal) to the repair site and the effect of sheath excision versus sheath repair on biochemical matrix formation in the healing zone 2 flexor tendon were studied. In 14 animals, the profundus tendon of the long toe on both feet was lacerated and repaired in zone 2. In the right foot, the sheath was repaired, and on the left foot, the sheath was excised. Segments proximal and distal to the laceration site were studied at six weeks postrepair compared to control segments. Sheath excision versus sheath repair had no effect on the net matrix formation of the healing flexor tendon. A higher DNA content and lower hydroxyproline and hexosamine contents were present in the healing tendons, indicating the healing process was not complete at six weeks. Sheath excision versus sheath repair had no effect on net matrix formation in the healing tendon. There is no difference in DNA content or glycosaminoglycan content in the proximal versus distal segments. There was a significantly greater net hydroxyproline content in the proximal segment versus the distal segment of the healing tendon, which was not present in similar control segments. These results support the concept that the zone 2 flexor tendon does not respond to injury as a homogeneous structure.