[Experimental study on Seprafilm anti-adhesion membrane composed of hyaluronic acid derivative on prevention of tendon adhesion in rabbit].

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the feasibility of Seprafilm anti-adhesion membrane, a hyaluronic acid (HA) derivative, on prevention of adhesion in acute injured tendon.

METHODS

Eighteen 4-month-old Chinese white rabbits (half males and half females, weighing 2.0-2.5 kg) were made the laceration models of the bilateral second and third toes of hindpaw. According to different treatments, the rabbits were randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 18). The second toe of right hindpaw was wrapped with Seprafilm anti-adhesion membrane (group A); the third toe of right hindpaw was wrapped with polylactic acid membrane (group B); the second toe of left hindpaw was coated with sodium hyaluronate gel (group C); and the third toe of left hindpaw did not treated, as control group (group D). The general condition was observed; the range of motion (ROM) of distal interphalangeal joint was measured; the gross observation and histological observation were performed at 1, 2, and 4 weeks, then the degree of adhesion was graded.

RESULTS

All rabbits survived to the end of the experiment. There was no significant difference in ROM of distal interphalangeal joint between groups A and B at 1, 2, and 4 weeks (P > 0.05). ROM of group A was superior to that of groups C and D at 2 and 4 weeks (P < 0.05). The gross and histological observations showed the same result in the grading of adhesion. At 1 week, there was no significant difference in the grading of adhesion among 4 groups (P > 0.05); at 2 and 4 weeks, the grading of adhesion in group A was similar to that in group B (P > 0.05), and the grading of adhesion in group A was significantly slighter than that in groups C and D (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Seprafilm anti-adhesion membrane composed of HA derivative can prevent tendon adhesion and improve the joint function in acute tendon injury of rabbits.