With the goal of evaluating the efficiency of a prosthesis of castor-oil plant (Ricinus communis) polyurethane as a partial substitute for common calcaneous tendon, 30 New Zealand female rabbits, aging between two to three months, weighting about 2kg were used. After general anesthesia, the surgical procedure in both members consisted of rear lateral longitudinal incision, in the medium third of the distal of tibia and exposition of the common calcaneous tendon. After the tenectomies of the gastrocnemius muscle tendon, the polyurethane prosthesis of about 0,5cm in length by 0,5 in diameter was seized to the proximal and distal of the tendon stumps, using polypropylene 4-0 suture just like the Keessler modified technique. The prosthesis of polyurethane in the form of elastomers revealed qualities like the texture and flexibility similar to the tendon tissue, and it can be made in the form and size desired. In addition, it can be shaped, cut and sterilized in wet heat. All animals could stand on the surgically treated members immediately after the end of anesthetic effect. No clinical signs of infection and no dehiscence of the cut were observed. An increase of local volume, due to the edema, evident in the first week after the surgery could be noted, which gradually disappeared. It was possible to detect easily upon touch the prosthesis which remained fixed in place. Clinically, the polyurethane of castor-oil plant did not induce any unfavorable reaction which could compromise the tendon healing and can be indicated as a temporary substitute of a tendon.
Rabbit; surgery; prothesis; polyurethane; tendon
