The excursion resistance between the tendon and pulley is an important factor contributing to the limitation of function after surgery to the hand. The administration of hyaluronic acid (HA) in the early rehabilitation after tendon grafting may help to prevent adhesions. We evaluated changes in the excursion resistance between potential sources of flexor tendon grafts and the annular pulley in a canine model after administration of HA.

The intrasynovial and extrasynovial tendons were soaked in 10 mg/ml of HA for five minutes. The excursion resistance between these tendons and the annular pulley of an intact proximal phalanx and that of the same tendons of the opposite foot without administration of HA were evaluated. The tendon of flexor digitorum profundus of the second toe without administration of HA was used as a control.

The gliding resistance of canine tendons was significantly decreased after the administration of HA especially in the extrasynovial tendons. Our findings suggest that the administration of HA may improve the gliding function of a flexor tendon graft.