Tendon Healing with Allogenic Fibroblast and Static Magnetic Field in Rabbit Model

Objectives- Tendons are integral parts of musculoskeletal system and are subjected to injury. Fibroblast is used in tendon healing, however, there is no proved and reported result regarding concurrent use of allogenic fibroblast with static magnetic field in tendon healing. In addition, there are some studies done on the effect of magnetic fields on tendon healing but the results are antithesis. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of simultaneous application of fibroblast and magnetic field on tendon healing in rabbit model. Design- Experimental study. Animals- Eighteen female rabbits, 15 months old and weighing 3.0±0.5 kg were used in this study. Procedures- Two legs of eighteen rabbits were divided into 6 groups. After skin incision, superficial flexor tendon was exposed and cut transversely and then sutured. In control group tendon injury were created in right and left legs and sutured in bunnell mayer suturing technique. In culture media substance group after tendon injury in two legs, 0.5 cc culture substance was injected in the injured tendon area in two legs. In fibroblast group, fibroblast cells were injected in the tendon injured area in both legs. Then all injuries legs were dressed up, a piece of magnet was placed in the surrounding bandage of the left leg for 7 days and right legs were left empty. After 3 months, rabbits were euthanized, tendons were extracted and biomechanical tests and histopathological tests were performed. Results- Ultimate Strength showed a statistically significant difference which in fibroblast-magnet group was better than other groups. Also, in histopathological evaluation fibroblast-magnet group showed better result in comparison with others. Conclusion and Clinical Relevance- Simultaneous use of fibroblast cells and magnetic field has a positive effect on tendon healing, both histologically and biomechanically in animal model.