[Experimental tendon sheath reconstruction using autologous vein transplants].

The authors compared the spontaneous healing of the flexor tendon sheath of the 5th digit in dogs following injury with the healing of the injured flexor tendon sheath and the formation of peritendinous fibrous tissue of the second digit following reconstruction using an autologous vein graft. Combined gross and microscopic examination at a certain time after the procedure indicated that the nonreconstructive tendon sheath defect was filled with granulation tissue or early scar tissue adherent to the tendon. Those whose tendon sheaths were reconstructed with autologous vein grafts showed the absence of scar tissue two weeks later. Between the vein graft and the flexor tendons was minimal loosely attached fibrous tissue.