Decreased adhesion formation in flexor tendons by topical application of enriched collagen solution--a histological study.

In order to improve gliding function of damaged flexor tendons in chickens, we topically applied enriched collagen solution (ECS) to the tendon sheaths of severed tendons. Previous studies using the same experimental model showed improvement of gliding function in the damaged tendons biomechanically and increased collagenolytic activity in the area of the damage after application of ECS. In the present study we evaluated the influence of ECS on peritendinous adhesion formation and on the healing process of the tendons histologically. We found that topically applied ECS reduced adhesion formation, mostly during the first week, without adversely affecting tendon healing or scar maturation.