Engineering and Computer Science Faculty Publications

The Response of Rabbit Patellar Tendons after Autologous Blood Injection

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-2002

Journal Title

Medicine and Science in Sport and Exercise

Volume

34

Issue

1

First Page

70

Last Page

73

Abstract

Purpose: Blood is a rich source of growth factors that can stimulate fibrocyte migration and help induce neovascular ingrowth. These properties may be able to stimulate a healing response in chronic degeneration of a tendon (tendonosis). The purpose of this study was to assess the biomechanical and histological effects of autologous blood injection on animaltendons.

Methods: New Zealand white rabbit left side patellar tendons were injected with 0.15 cc of autologous blood. We then compared the mechanical properties and histology to the normal right patellar tendon at 6 and 12 wk.

Results: At 6 and 12 wk after the injection, there were no differences in the histology compared with normal tendon tissue, and there were no significant changes in tendon stiffness. Biomechanically, the tendons were not damaged at 6 wk after the injection. By 12 wk, tendons that were injected with blood were significantly (P < 0.014) stronger.

Conclusion: We found that injecting blood directly into normal tendons appears safe. Further evaluation of this technique would appear indicated.

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