Comparison of the mechanical properties of polyglycolide-trimethylene carbonate (Maxon) and polydioxanone sutures (PDS2) used for flexor tendon repair and active mobilization

J Hand Surg Br. 2002 Aug;27(4):329-32. doi: 10.1054/jhsb.2002.0767.

Abstract

Thirty-six canine flexor digitorum profundus tendons were repaired using 5-0 polyglycolide-trimethylene carbonate monofilament (Maxon) or polydioxanone monofilament (PDS2). All the tendons healed without rupture or formation of gaps of more than 2 mm. Mechanically, all tendon repairs had sufficient tensile strength to enable active mobilization. Polyglycolide-trimethylene carbonate (Maxon) repairs were initially superior in gap and ultimate strength to polydioxanone (PDS2) repairs. However, the gap and ultimate tensile strength of polyglycolide-trimethylene carbonate (Maxon) repairs had decreased significantly at day 14, whereas polydioxanone (PDS2) repairs maintained their strength throughout the 28-day observation period.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Dogs
  • Forelimb / physiopathology
  • Forelimb / surgery
  • Mechanics*
  • Motor Activity / physiology*
  • Polydioxanone / therapeutic use*
  • Polymers / therapeutic use*
  • Recovery of Function / physiology
  • Sutures*
  • Tendon Injuries / physiopathology*
  • Tendon Injuries / rehabilitation
  • Tendon Injuries / surgery*
  • Tensile Strength / physiology

Substances

  • Polymers
  • Polydioxanone
  • polyglyconate