Effects of fibrin sealant on incorporation of autograft and xenograft tendons within bone tunnels. A preliminary study.

The anterior and posterior tibialis tendons in both hindlimbs of six adult dogs were rerouted through extraarticular bone holes created in the distal tibial metaphysis. Xenograft tendons of comparable dimensions were used in an additional six dogs. Fibrin Sealant System (FSS) was applied to the bone tendon interface in the right legs, whereas the left legs were used as controls. The animals were sacrificed at 5, 9, and 28 days. Coronal sections of the distal tibias were studied histologically and microangiographically. The autogenous tendons appeared to incorporate by means of fibrous ingrowth, whereas spicules of new bone in direct opposition to the xenografts were observed at 28 days. FSS promoted organization and maturation of fibrous connective tissue surrounding both implants at early sacrifice but did not appreciably alter incorporation at 28 days.