Hyaluronic Acid and its Effect on Postoperative Adhesions in the Rabbit Flexor Tendon

The effect of hyaluronic acid in preventing adhesion formation in a surgically prepared rabbit flexor tendon model has been evaluated. Nineteen rabbits had partial tenotomy of the middle digit flexor profundus tendon, eight being treated with hyaluronic acid and eleven with saline. The quality of tendon repair and the quantity of adhesion tissue were graded. Though both the treated and control groups showed significant adhesions, the hyaluronic acid treated tendons showed less adhesion tissue and better sliding properties as compared to the controls. No significant difference was noted in the quality of tendon repair and no adverse effects of hyaluronic acid were seen. It is proposed that additional investigation into the development of a better model of postoperative tendon adhesions and an improved characterization of this model are needed. This preliminary study suggests that hyaluronic acid is effective in reducing the quantity of adhesions after tendon surgery but warrants further evaluation.