Preventing bone loss improves tendon-bone healing in a canine model

Stavros Thomopoulos, Hironori Matsuzaki, Melissa Zaegel, Richard H. Gelberman, Matthew J. Silva

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Studies have shown that tendon insertion site injuries can lead to bone loss. Following tendon-bone repair, bone loss can lead to widening of the repair tunnel. This widening may negatively affect the establishment of a strong tendon-bone interface, leading to recurrence of failure. Our goal was to suppress bone loss after insertion site repair using alendronate in an attempt to prevent the decrease in biomechanical properties. Flexor digitorum profundus tendons were injured and repaired into bone tunnels In the distal phalanx in seven canines. Dogs received a daily oral dose of alendronate. Dogs also received a local dose of alendronate in the bone tunnels of either the second or fifth digit at the time of surgery. Insertions were evaluated at 21 days for mechanical properties and bone mineral density. Our data indicated that tendon to bone healing can be improved by preventing bone loss. We showed that: 1) alendronate prevents the bone loss which occurs after tendon to bone repair and 2) prevention of bone loss leads to significantly improved mechanical properties. This effect may be because there is a more stable surface for tendon-bone integration or because there is less inflammatory tendon degradation in the bone tunnel.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 2006 SEM Annual Conference and Exposition on Experimental and Applied Mechanics 2006
Pages1829-1833
Number of pages5
StatePublished - 2006
EventSEM Annual Conference and Exposition on Experimental and Applied Mechanics 2006 - Saint Louis, MO, United States
Duration: Jun 4 2006Jun 7 2006

Publication series

NameProceedings of the 2006 SEM Annual Conference and Exposition on Experimental and Applied Mechanics 2006
Volume4

Conference

ConferenceSEM Annual Conference and Exposition on Experimental and Applied Mechanics 2006
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySaint Louis, MO
Period06/4/0606/7/06

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