Healing of a split flexor tendon graft--an experimental study in chickens.

The half-thickness flexor tendon graft proved to be an adequate replacement in experimental tendon defect repair in chickens. The caged birds regained 59% and the free-ranging chickens 75% of normal flexion. The strength of the healing tendons averaged 42% of normal. The donor flexors regained an average of 90% and the grafted portion of the recipient flexors 85% of their original diameter. Birds allowed the freedom of their natural habitat healed better, as shown by greater restoration of tendon diameter, strength, and return of active flexion. In an emergency, in the event of multiple tendon injuries of the hand when other tendon replacement is not possible, the split tendon graft may be usable.