Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene as tendon replacement: An experimental study in chickens

We designed an experimental animal model (in chickens) to assess the potent ial applications, above all in hand surgery, of an expanded polytetrafluoro ethylene (e-PTFE) graft as a replacement for a natural tendon. The results of macroscopic, histological, and functional observations made five weeks, and three, four, five, and six months after implantation showed that the e- PTFE seemed to be a good replacement for tendons, because it integrated wel l with surrounding tissue and permitted good functional recovery within a r easonable time period.