OBJECTIVE: To study the feasibility of calcium polyphosphate fiber (CPPF) as the scaffold material of tendon tissue engineering. METHODS: CPPF (15 microns in diameter) were woven to form pigtail of 3 mm x 2 mm transverse area; and the tensile strength, porous ratio and permeability ratio were evaluated in vitro. Tendon cells (5 x 10(4)/ml) derived from phalangeal flexor tendon of SD rats were co-culture with CPPF scaffold or CPPF scaffold resurfaced with collagen type-I within 1 week. The co-cultured specimens were examined under optical and electric scanning microscope. RESULTS: The tensile strength of CPPF scaffolds was (122.80 +/- 17.34) N; permeability ratio was 61.56% +/- 14.57%; and porous ratio was 50.29% +/- 8.16%. CPPF had no obvious adhesive interaction with tendon cells, while CPPF of surface modified with collagen type-I showed good adhesive interaction with tendon cells. CONCLUSION: The above results show that CPPF has some good physical characteristics as scaffold of tendon tissue engineering, but its surface should be modified with organic substance or even bioactive factors.
OBJECTIVE To observe the effects of sodium hyaluronate on nerve root adhesion after operation of lumbar disc protrusion (LDP). METHODS From April 1996 to June 2001, 152 cases with LDP were performed the removal of nucleus pulposus under endoscope. After operation, 2 ml of sodium hyaluronate were injected. The clinical results were evaluated by clinical symptom, straight leg raising test, patient’s satisfaction degree and back pain. RESULTS All the patients were followed for 1 month to 3 years. The average angle of straight leg raising test increased from 26 degree preoperatively to 62 degree postoperatively. The patient’s pain were markedly relieved. Patient’s satisfactory degree were 86.8%. CONCLUSION The injection of sodium hyaluronate after operation of LDP has effect on preventing postoperative nerve root adhesion.