Improved healing of transected rabbit Achilles tendon after a single injection of cartilage-derived morphogenetic protein-2.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Achilles tendon ruptures in humans might be treated more efficiently with the help of a growth factor. Cartilage-derived morphogenetic protein-2 has been shown to induce formation of tendon-like tissue.

HYPOTHESIS:

Cartilage-derived morphogenetic protein-2 has a positive effect on mechanical parameters for tendon healing in a rabbit model with Achilles tendon transection.

STUDY DESIGN:

Controlled laboratory study.

METHODS:

The right Achilles tendon of 40 rabbits was transected without tendon suture. Cartilage-derived morphogenetic protein-2 (10 micro g) or vehicle control (acetate buffer) was injected locally 2 hours postoperatively. All tendons were tested biomechanically at 8 and 14 days, and treated tendons were histologically and radiographically evaluated at 56 days.

RESULTS:

At 14 days, both failure load and stiffness of treated tendons were increased by 35%. The treated tendons had significantly larger callus size at 8 and 14 days. Histologic and radiographic examination showed no signs of ossification in the treated tendons after 56 days.

CONCLUSIONS:

A single injection of cartilage-derived morphogenetic protein-2 led to a stronger and stiffer tendon callus than that in the controls without inducing bone formation.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE:

Similar results from a larger animal model would suggest a possible future use of cartilage-derived morphogenetic protein-2 in the treatment of human Achilles tendon ruptures.

• Authors: Carina Forslund, Per Aspenberg
• Journal: The American journal of sports medicine (Am J Sports Med) 2003 Jul-Aug Vol. 31 Issue 4 Pg. 555-9 ISSN: 0363-5465 [Print] United States
• PMID: 12860544 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Bone Morphogenetic Proteins
• Buffers
• cartilage-derived-morphogenetic protein-2

Topics

• Achilles Tendon (drug effects, injuries)
• Animals
• Biomechanical Phenomena
• Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (administration & dosage)
• Buffers
• Female
• Injections (methods)
• Male
• Models, Animal
• Rabbits
• Rupture (drug therapy, physiopathology)
• Stress, Mechanical
• Treatment Outcome
• Wound Healing (drug effects)