Seprafilm interposition for preventing adhesion formation after tenolysis. An experimental study on the chicken flexor tendons.

BACKGROUND

Hyaluronic acid and its derivatives have become increasingly popular for preventing adhesions in primary tendon repair. Their use in tenolysis, however, has not been established yet. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the efficacy of Seprafilm, a combination of carboxymethylcellulose membrane and hyaluronate, in prevention of adhesion formation after tenolysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty chickens were initially operated on their right central toes in order to constitute an experimental setting of postoperative flexor tendon adhesion. They were then randomly assigned to 3 groups at 6 weeks. Group 1 received no further procedure, group 2 underwent simple tenolysis with physiologic saline injection, and group 3 had tenolysis with Seprafilm interposition.

RESULTS

Group 3 scored a significantly higher average gliding excursion value than the other groups. Histologic examination corroborated the biomechanical data.

CONCLUSION

Seprafilm was effective in preventing adhesions after tenolysis.