Effect of increased and reduced tension on the mechanical properties of healing wound in the abdominal wall.

Using rabbits as experimental animals, the changes of the mechanical characteristics in different areas of healing abdominal wall wounds were investigated. Wounds closed under 'hyper-tension' and under 'reduced tension' were investigated, as well as wounds closed with Prolene and steel sutures (elastically yielding or immobilizing, respectively). The mechanical testing was performed after healing periods of varying length up to 4 weeks, and the following four parameters were measured: the breaking strength, the energy absorption, the maximum strain, and the elastic stiffness. The investigation showed that strong tension as well as immobilization of the edges of the wound cause a functionally weaker abdominal wall wound. The possible clinical importance of the results is discussed.