Enhancing Achilles tendon healing by using autologous bone marrow in rabbits

Abstract

The model used in this study was (30) apparently healthy local breed male rabbits, weighing (1.5-2) kg divided into control and treated groups. All animals were anaesthetized generally by intramuscular injection mixture of Ketamine and Xylazine, then operation site was prepared surgically, in control group (left leg) about 3cm skin incision was made caudal to tibia and Achilles tendon splitting was made by used scalpel blade, treated group was subjected to the same procedure ( right leg ) then (1-2 ml) bone marrow aspirated from iliac crest of the same animal then applied to the injured tendon, skin closed routinely. Biopsies of injured tendon were harvested at 3rd, 7th, 15, 30, and 60 days post operation to show histopathological changes in tendon tissue in each group. Results indicated initiation of healing process in treated group prior to control group, in control group at 3rd day showed persist inflammatory cells associated with congestive blood vessels also at 7th day showed fibroblast proliferation with less new capillary blood vessels whereas at 15 day showed start irregular fibrous connective tissue formation, and at 30 day showed mature fibrous connective tissue formation with dense collagen fiber, while in treated group showed proliferation of fibroblast that producing collagen fibers which give rise for immature granulation tissue formation at 3rd day post operation, also large amount of granulation tissue which formed with deposition of collagen fiber at 7day whereas at 15 day showed regular fibrous connective tissue formation with contracted collagen fiber that continue to increase collagen formation at 30 day, also at 60 day showed deposition of mature fibrous connective tissue, While in control group at 60 day showed short collagen fibers attached to tendon fibers and still presence same area contain collagen fiber irregularly. According to the results of present study, aspiration of autologous bone marrow from iliac crest and it application directly on injured Achilles tendon may have a better effect in promoting healing in rabbits .