Experimental Study of Human Hair Keratin Artificial Tendon and Its Clinical Application

Aim: To explore the process of implantation of an artificial tendon which is made of human hair keratin, named 109HH artificial tendon, and its possible clinical application. Methods: Twenty New Zealand rabbits weighing 2.5 kg averagely were defected by cutting achilles tendon in 3 mm. 109HH artifical tendon of 3 mm in diameter was implanted. Examples were taken at 6, 8, 10 and 12 weeks after implantation, and observed under electric microscope. Immunology, histology and biomechanics were used. Results: At 6 week after implantation 109HH artificial tendon was surrounded by collagen fibers and giant cells, at 8 10 weeks it began to be absorbed, and at 12 weeks it was completely absorbed and replaced by collagenous fibers and fibroblast, and the arrangement was similar to that of the real tendon. No rejection action or tention stress reduce were found. The surface was smooth without any adhesion. We used this technique in 118 patients to repair their tendons of figers, shoulders, elbows, knees and achilles. All of the 118 patients obtained satisfactory results. Conclusion: 109HH artificial tendon is considered to be an ideal artificail tendon clinically.