A mouse model of flexor tendon repair

Abstract

Mouse models offer invaluable cellular and molecular tools for the study of human pathologies including those associated with fibrotic and musculoskeletal diseases. In this methods manuscript, we describe a mouse model of repair and segmental reconstruction of flexor tendons, which in our laboratory has been an invaluable model to study tendon scarring and adhesions. Specifically, we describe in details all the surgical procedures involved, as well as the associated endpoint biomechanical assessments including a novel test of the flexion of the metatarsophalangeal joint as a measure of adhesions, and a standard protocol for biomechanical assessment of the tensile strength of the tendon and repair tissue. © 2014 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.