Biomechanical and histopathological evaluation of two surgical methods, nerve anastomosis and tendon transfer with each other in function of rabbits limbs

Tendon transfer is to change the natural location to a new location for attachment of a tendon of a muscle's activity. This study was conducted to biomechanical and histopathological evaluate the function of rabbits drop foot which were operated for nerve anastomosis and tendon transfer with each other. Twenty white New Zealand male and healthy rabbits were chosen and divided in to 4 groups. First group (Witness): were operated and only cut the sciatic nerve. Second group: were operated and cut the sciatic nerve, then anastomosed. Third group: were operatedand cut the sciatic nerve, then tendon transfer were done whit out any Anastomosis. Fourth group: were operated and cut the sciatic nerve and then anastomosed. Then tendon transfers were done. Biomechanical evaluation in day 45 after surgery on bone samples. In biomechanical assessment, about stiffness factor, those groups which operated by tendon transfer method, we need less power. About fracture, in those groups which operated by tendon transfer method, more force in necessary to break. In those groups which operated by tendon transfer method, the rate of calcium is much more than matrix because their feet can tolerate their weight in comparison, in those groups which operated without tendon transfer; the rate of calcium is less than matrix because of osteodystrophy. In pathological assessment, zenker necrosis and atrophy in both groups were detected but the acutness in witness group is more obviously. It could be claimed that utilizing two surgical methods; nerve anastomosis and tendon transfer with each other had more effect on function of paralyzed limbs.