The purpose of this study was to evaluate experimentally the efficacy of the use of bovine peritoneum conserved in 98% glycerin to reconstruct calcaneal tendon lesions induced in dogs. Twenty one mongrel dogs, weighing between 10-15kg were used and divided in seven diferents groups, Post-.mortem evaluation was made on days 02, 07, 15, 30, 60, 90 and 120 after surgery. The animals had a 1cm segmental defect created on the calcaneal tendon which was then repaired with the graft. After removal of the segment of the calcaneal tendon the resultant gap was filled with the graft wrapped around the edges in a circunferencial manner then sutured into place with 4-0 mononylon. Fifty five days later animals were presenting weight bearing on the operated limb and with no signs of lammenes. Microscopical findings revealed the presence of the bovine peritoneum graft during the whole experiment. Mininal capillary and fibroblastic proliferation was observed on the second day post-op which was increased after seven days. By the 15º day post-op, fibroblastic proliferation, colagen and connective tissue fibres were observed in the graft. At the final stage, the graft appeared as a relatively mature tendon characterized by connective tissue organization orienteded longitudinaly. The graft stimulated a fast local inflammation and deposit of connective tissue and served as a scaffold for a new tendon-like tissue formation.
surgery; calcaneal tendon; dog; peritoneum
