An apparatus to measure flexor tendon excursion and angular motion of the distal interphalangeal joint in a rabbit model

Abstract

Investigators evaluating flexor tendon adhesions have utilized visual, histological, and gross mechanical methods in reporting their results. We have developed a device to measure tendon excursion and distal interphalangeal joint motion for a small animal model. The device was tested for accuracy and reproducibility using the rabbit hindfoot. There was no statistical difference between the right and the left in 30 paris of feet. This device provides an accurate method to quantify tendon excursion and relative adhesion formation in a rabbit model without destroying the specimen.