Healing of subcutaneous tendons: Influence of the mechanical environment at the suture line on the healing process

Figure 1 Stress-strain relationship for progressive loading of a tendon showing three distinct regions (toe, linear and partial failure) prior to complete rupture approximate stress forces (MPa) and strain values (% strain) is shown. Reprinted from [40] with permission from the Oxford University Press.

Figure 2 Drawing illustrates repair of the patellar tendon and making of the “suture line tension regulating suture”. A: The modified Kessler suture in the proximal portion of an avulsed patellar tendon; B: The modified Kessler suture and the reinforcement device before tying the threads into a knot; C: The final appearance after tying the threads into knots. Reprinted from [124] with permission from the Springer.

Figure 3 Drawing illustrates repair of the ruptured Achilles tendon. A: Thread of the reinforcement suture when it passes through the osseous tunnel in the calcaneus and by interweaving through the proximal stump of the Achilles tendon; B: Tendon stumps that were held together by Kessler’s suture; C: Final appearance of the reinforcement suture and the repaired Achilles tendon. Reprinted from [125] with permission from the Elsevier.