| Abstract: | A 1-cm segment of repaired rabbit flexor tendon was first subjected to 10,000 rads of x-radiation and then placed in the synovial cavity of a rabbit's knee joint. Macroscopic examination revealed healing at the repair site and rounding of the tendon ends without adhesions. Light- and electron-microscopic studies revealed cells resembling fibroblasts at the repair site and the periphery laying down collagen. Healing of this irradiated nonviable tendon was brought about by the cells present in the synovial fluid. |
