JPRAS Open. 2026 Jan 23;49:15-23. doi: 10.1016/j.jpra.2026.01.022. eCollection 2026 May.
ABSTRACT
Tendon repair surgery frequently faces challenges such as adhesion and re-rupture. This study innovatively designed a Tendon Connector based on a polymer blend of poly(p-dioxanone) (PDO) and poly(lactide-co-caprolactone) (LCL) (PDO3/LCL7, mass ratio 3:7), as a potential replacement for traditional suture methods. The high biocompatibility of the material and its degradation products was verified through in vitro experiments, ensuring the safety of its clinical application. The repair effects of the PDO3/LCL7-based Tendon Connector (in the following designated as "Tendon Connector") were compared with those of the traditional Kessler suture technique. Biomechanical test results demonstrated that tendons repaired with the Tendon Connector significantly outperformed those repaired with the traditional method in key indicators such as maximum load, maximum stress, and elastic modulus, indicating its ability to provide more stable mechanical support and promote early tendon healing. The Tendon Connector matches the physiological process of tendon healing through a dynamic mechanical transfer mechanism, achieving a comprehensive solution from "minimally invasive implantation" to "biodegradation" and finally to "functional reconstruction." The design of this Tendon Connector presents a forward-looking preliminary concept for tendon repair, inspiring new ideas for future clinical application despite the preliminary stage of the material design.
PMID:41768288 | PMC:PMC12938157 | DOI:10.1016/j.jpra.2026.01.022