Muscle transplant in the rabbit's Achilles tendon

Achilles tendinopathy (AT) s a degenerated disorder resulting from function al overload. especially during running and jumping, with some inflammatory features at the insertions, bursae, and paratenon. The Achilles tendon is p oorly vascularized, especially in the middle third, and the consequent slow metabolic rate allows it to work at very low oxygen tensions but prevents on the other hand a rapid healing. Purpose: To create an animal anodel to s tudy a novel surgical technique employed in AT: transplanting some fibers o f the soleus muscle into the tendon in order to improved its vasculation an d healing and to study the histological appearance of the soleus graft inco rporated in the tendon. Methods: We operated on 10 white New Zealand rabbit s leight rabbits underwent the precedure, two rabbits the sham operation wi th incision of the tendon without graft). Two animals were euthanized at 1 wk, 1, 2, and 3 months. Results: Histology showed that after 3 months the ( nuscle fibers were still viable within the tendons, interspersed within con nective tissue fibers. Tendon and muscle tissues were intimately fused. Con clusions: The peristence of the soleus muscle pedicle graft within the Achi lles tendon tissue is an finit of sound blood supply. This surgical model i s suitable for application in further studies on tendon healing.