[Scanning electron microscopy studies following two-stage tendon and tendon sheath reconstruction in experimental flexor tendon injuries].

This study involves the initial injury of a flexor tendon in chickens toes, followed by a two-step reconstruction of the tendon and its sheath. At first the damaged scarred tendon sheath region was replaced by a transplanted vein or fascia. Tendon restoration was done in the second step with a free tendon transplantation. The restored tendon sheath was then studied in sections under EM. It was observed that the surface of the reconstructed sheath was very similar to that of an intact sheath; the inner surface of the fascia being smoother than the vein. Likewise, the surface and inner structure of the transplanted tendon was proved to resemble an intact tendon. On the basis of the results of this investigation, it is believed that this procedure may be successfully applied to the reconstruction of human flexor tendon injuries in the future.