Abstract

Aim:
This study aims to evaluate the effects of Dermalix® (Dx), a resveratrol-loaded, bioabsorbable scaffold composed of collagen, laminin, and hyaluronic acid, on tendon healing and peritendinous adhesion formation following primary Achilles tendon repair in a rat model.
Materials and Methods:
A total of 28 female Wistar Albino rats underwent bilateral Achilles tendon injury and repair using the modified Kessler technique. The right legs were treated with local Dx application over the repair site, while the left legs served as untreated controls. Animals were randomly allocated into four groups (n = 7/group) based on the evaluation time points: 3rd and 6th weeks, for histological and biomechanical assessments, respectively. Macroscopic adhesion scoring, histological quantification (including counts of fibroblasts, fibrocytes, and vessels), and biomechanical testing (maximum load to failure and elongation before rupture) were performed. Statistical comparisons were conducted using t-test, Mann-Whitney U, chi-square, ANOVA, or Friedman test where appropriate.
Results:
Dx application significantly reduced macroscopic adhesion grades at both 3 and 6 weeks (p

Key words: Resveratrol; Bioabsorbable scaffold; Tendon healing; Peritendinous adhesion; Achilles tendon; Dermalix®