After the healing and subsequent scarring, motion would be introduced, but results often were unsatisfactory. But we recently designed a new suture method that is safe enough to allow us to apply these forces. The new method extends eight strands of suture across the gap between two tendon stumps. Previously, two to four strands were used. The increased strength allows active rehabilitation to begin immediately.
Tendons begin to glide when they experience stress immediately after surgery.
The gliding action stimulates tendon cells to accomplish the repair process, which in turn inhibits scarring. Another focus of the research is to study the healing process on a cellular level. The researchers are studying tendons' ability to produce various extracellular matrix proteins and the link between that process and the restoration of tendon function.