Efficacy of ultrasound therapy after achilles tenorrhaphy in crossbred calves: Gross and histopathological observations

Abstract

Clinically healthy cow calves (8) were divjded into groups 1 (n=4) and 2 (n=4). Tenorrhaphy of left achilles rendon was performed under haloperidol-diazepam-thiopentone combination anaesthesia with the help of 4. singk-locking-toop sutures using polyamide threads. Immobilization of tibio-tarsal joint was done by transfixation technique, inserting 2 pins in tibia and 2 in calcaneus. for 4 weeks. In group 1 (control) ultrasound therapy was not used. In group 2. ultrasound therapy at an intensity of 0.5 watt/cm was used at the tenorrhaphy site. Gross observations were made and tendon biopsy was collected in 1 animal each on 30, 60, 90 and 120 days after tenorrhaphy for histomorphological observations in both groups. Biupsy from tibiotarsal joint was also collected in 1 animal each at day 120 in both the groups. Gross findings suggested compkte union between the cut ends of tendon at the tenorrhaphy site. reduced tendon thickening and fewer perilendinous adhesions in the ultrasound treated group. Histologically, immature fibroblasts were seen at the repaired site at 30 days in group 1 which were more dense and mature in group 2. At 60 days, orientation of collagen libres was comparatively Detter in group 2 than-that in group 1. At 90 days, mature organised collagen fibres were present at the initial stage of bundle formation in group 1, while bundle formation had occurred completely in ultrasound treated group 2. At day 120, bundle formation was still taking place in untreated group 1 whereas in treated group 2. complete normal
tendon architecture with wavy appearance of collagen tibres arranged in bundles waS obscrved indicating better tendon
healing in these animals. Articular cartilage was found to be completely normal.