Tendon Injury Healing with Fibroblast and Static Magnetic Field in Rabbit Model: Biomechanical and Histopathological Evaluation

Abstract

Objective-Tendons are highly subjected to injury.<br><br>Fibroblast is one of the cells used in tendon healing;<br><br>however, there’s no proved and reported result in regard<br><br>to their use in tendon healing. In addition, there are some<br><br>studies done on the effect of magnetic fields on tendon<br><br>healing but the results are antithesis. The aim of this<br><br>study is to evaluate the effect of simultaneous application<br><br>of fibroblast and magnetic field on tendon healing in<br><br>rabbit model.<br><br>Design- Experimental study<br><br>Animals- Nine healthy, adult New Zealand White rabbits<br><br>Procedures- Both legs of rabbits were divided into 6<br><br>groups named empty, magnet, culture substance, culture<br><br>substance-magnet, fibroblast, and fibroblast-magnet.<br><br>After skin incision, superficial flexor tendon was exposed<br><br>and cut transversely and then sutured with nylon 2/0<br><br>suture and Bunnel-Mayer stitch pattern. In three rabbits,<br><br>0.5 cc culture substance and in three others, 0.5 cc culture<br><br>substance and fibroblast were injected in the incision<br><br>area. Then all injuries were dressed up and in all rabbits,<br><br>a piece of magnet was placed in the surrounding bandage<br><br>of left leg for 7 days. After 3 months, rabbits were<br><br>euthanized, tendons were extracted and biomechanical<br><br>tests and histopathological tests were performed.<br><br>Results- Only one of the biomechanical features<br><br>(Ultimate Strength) showed a statistically significant<br><br>difference (P&lt;0.05) which in fibroblast-magnet group<br><br>was better than other groups. Also, in histopathological<br><br>evaluation fibroblast-magnet group showed better result<br><br>in comparison with others.<br><br>Conclusion and Clinical Relevance- In conclusion,<br><br>simultaneous use of fibroblast cells and magnetic field<br><br>has a positive effect on tendon healing,