THE IN-VIVO RESPONSE OF FETAL TENDONS TO SUTURES

The in vivo response of foetal flexor digitorum profundus tendons to t endon sutures was studied macroscopically and microscopically in foeta l lambs. No tendon adhesions mere noted at any of the examination inte rvals. 4 days after injury, a mild inflammatory reaction was noted aro und the suture. The tendon examined at the 4-week interval showed evid ence of migration of epitenon cells from the outer surface of the tend on into the suture track. The tendon examined at the 6-week interval s howed normal tendon fibres surrounding the suture site. Differences be tween foetal skin and foetal tendon healing are discussed along with t he possible role of amniotic fluid in modulating the healing process i n the foetus.