Barrier Effects of Various High Polymer Biomaterials on Prevention of Tendon Adhesion a Systemic Evaluation

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety of various high polymer biomaterials to prevent tendon adhesion, and analyze whether the improvement of injured degree, toxic and side effects, and slipping function of tendon can influence tendon healing. METHODS: A computer-based online search of CNKI was undertaken to identify randomized controlled articles about the effect of various high polymer biomaterials on tendon adhesion with the keywords of ”tendon adhesion, biomaterials, and barrier” from 1990 to 2005. Retrieval data were then extracted and analyzed. RESULTS: Among 11 tests, there were 571 patients with tendon injury and 7 animal models with tendon injury, according to inclusion criteria. After surgery, high polymer biomaterials were used to prevent from adhesion and reduce exogenous adhesion incidence. Following-up results demonstrated that high polymer biomaterials which affected endogenous and exogenous healing of tendon might prevent from tendon adhesion, provide foundation for early controlling passive activity, reduce exogenous adhesion occurrence, improve moving function of tendon, and promote tendon healing. CONCLUSION: Barrier effect of high polymer biomaterials can well prevent from tendon adhesion in clinic, especially intrathecal injection or local injection of sodium hyaluronate has both trophic and lubricant actions in preventing from tendon adhesion. However, other effective indicators and safety need to be further studied due to less including tests and weak evidences.