Since tendons are subjected to repeated motion and degeneration over time, they are prone to both acute and chronic injuries. In addition, the blood supply to the tendon is generally poor; as a result, healing often progresses slowly. Autogenic, allogenic and xenogenic tendon transplantations have been performed in reconstructive tendon surgery. There is no report on ostrich (xenograft) tendon transplantation to other species. The aim of this study was to evaluate ostrich flexor tendon transplantation in a rabbit model. Seven male New Zealand white rabbits 1 year old and weighing 4.0±0.5 kg were used in this study. Approximately 3 cm of the superficial flexor tendon was resected, and created defects were filled in all rabbits with 3-cm harvested ostrich chick tendon and sutured with 2/0 polypropylene in a single Modified Kessler suture pattern. The main histopathological and gross evaluation showed graft necrosis and sequestration. Our results showed that ostrich tendon displays severe antigenicity and elicits a vigorous inflammatory reaction and is, therefore, not recommended for use as a xenogenic tendon graft for the replacement of tendons or ligaments.

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