Cellular activity in e-PTFE reconstructed pulleys and adjacent regions of deep flexor tendons. An experimental biochemical study in rabbits.

The biological adaptation and integration of flexor tendon pulleys reconstructed with expanded polytetrafluorethylene (e-PTFE) were investigated 3 months after operation. E-PTFE pulleys showed no signs of failure, adverse tissue reactions or detrimental effects on the surface of underlying tendons. Cells in pulleys reconstructed with e-PTFE synthesized proteoglycan, collagen and non-collagen protein at a higher rate, and DNA at a lower rate, than cells in sham operated pulleys. Cells in pulleys reconstructed with e-PTFE synthesized proteoglycan at a lower rate, and protein at a higher rate, than cells in e-PTFE strips placed subcutaneously. Flexor tendon segments underlying reconstructed or sham operated pulleys synthesized matrix components and DNA at comparable rates.