Biomechanical comparison of new Achilles tendon rupture repair technique the "Giftbox" versus the Krackow technique in New Zealand white rabbits: An experimental animal study

Abstract

Introduction: To compare the strength between the Achilles tendons repaired with the "Giftbox" and the Krackow techniques in New Zealand white rabbits post six weeks of tendon healing.

Materials and methods: Eight rabbits were randomized into Giftbox and Krackow groups. Tenotomy was performed on the Achilles tendon of one side of the lower limb and repaired with the respective techniques. The contralateral limb served as control. Subjects were euthanized six weeks post-operative, and both repaired and control Achilles tendons were harvested for biomechanical tensile test.

Results: The means of maximum load to rupture and tenacity in the Giftbox group (156.89 ± 38.49 N and 159.98 ± 39.25 gf/tex) were significantly different than Krackow's (103.55 ± 27.48 N and 104.91 ± 26.96 gf/tex, both p = 0.043).

Conclusion: The tendons repaired with Giftbox technique were biomechanically stronger than those repaired with Krackow technique after six weeks of tendon healing.

Keywords: Achilles tendon injury; Achilles tendon repair techniques; Biomechanical study; Biomechanical tensile.