TABLE 1.
Statistical Comparisons of Mechanical Propertiesa
| Group | Maximum Load, N (median ± SD) (p-value) | Stiffness, N/mm (median ± SD) (p-value) | Modulus, MPa (median ± SD) (p-value) | Failure Stress, MPa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| ||||
| Intact | 199 ± 35 | 144 ± 20 | 25 ± 3.7 | 104 ± 7 |
| Gap | 92 ± 15 (.100) | 21 ± 10 (.100) | NA | NA |
| Direct | 155 ± 22 (.036) | 38 ± 12 (.036) | 5.3 ± 1.3 (.100) | 8 ± 2.5 (.100) |
| ELAC | 166 ± 36 (.052) | 33 ± 6 (.022) | 3.5 ± 0.4 (.100) | 3.8 ± 0.9 (.100) |
| ELAC + MSC | 178 ± 50 (.554) | 46 ± 12 (.022) | 5.6 ± 2.1 (.059) | 9 ± 3.2 (.059) |
a
Paired comparisons of biomechanical properties of repaired tendons to those of intact contralateral tendons. Data are reported as median ± SD with p-values in parentheses. The lack of significance in bold implies complete convergence of repair to intact. ELAC, electrochemically aligned collagen; MSC, mesenchymal stem cell; NA, not available.