Medial collateral ligament repair following complete ligament transection: An experimental study in rabbits

E. Carmeli, Y. Beer, N. Halperin, R. Coleman, D. Robinson, T. Brosh, Z. Nevo

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the repair processes of the medial collateral (MCL), lateral collateral (LCL), anterior cruciate (ACL) and posterior cruciate (PCL) ligaments after complete dislocation by arthrotomy, and after disconnection. Forty eight mature young male white New Zealand rabbits. All four ligaments were reconnected using non-absorbable sutures, without limb immobilization. The contralateral knees served as internal controls. The effectiveness of Diclofenac (Voltaren, an NSAID), hyaluronic acid, and hyaluronic acid combined with collagenase in the healing processes was examined. 12 non-operated rabbits (control group) received intraarticular injections of 1 ml 0.9% saline 3 per week for 3 weeks; 12 rabbits received intramuscular (Glutei) injections of Diclofenac sodium 1% (1ml/lkg BW) 3 per week for 3 weeks; 12 rabbits received intraarticular injections with 1 ml hyaluronic acid alone; 12 rabbits received intraarticular injections of hyaluronic acid and collagenase. Biomechanical and histological examinations of the joints were performed. The results indicated that healing of ACL and PCL was not achieved in any group. A favorable response to Diclofenac treatment was noticed in MCL as determined by both histology and biomechanical testing. In conclusions, Diclofenac administered by injections may offer some clinical benefits following major knee operations or injury.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)379-391
Number of pages13
JournalBiology of Sport
Volume21
Issue number4
StatePublished - 2004
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Knee
  • Ligament
  • Treatment

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
  • Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation
  • Physiology (medical)

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