54 PBINCIPLES OF VETEEINAET SUKGEBY 



A very important point, especially from tlie practical 

 standpoint of operative surgery (tenotomy), is tliat the round 

 cells of tlie original granulation tissue change into spindle- 

 shaped cells by the tension upon the tendon wound by the 

 muscles and weight of the body. In other words, early and 

 regular tension plays an important r61e in the process of 

 healing of such injuries. Another point of practical interest 

 lies in the fact that lacerations within a tendon sheath do not 

 heal as quickly as those outside of it, for the reason that the 

 more loose connective tissue is present (as is the case in 

 injuries outside of a tendon sheath), the more rapid the 

 process of healing, since the greatest part of the new tissue 

 comes from the paratendineum. Aseptic injuries necessarily 

 heal more kindly than infected ones. Because the pus 

 opposes regeneration, the infected parts slough off, which in 

 these tissues requires some time ; in between times free pro- 

 liferation occurs by the paratendineum, and more or less 

 severe thickening of the parts results. 



What are the common complications of tendon rupiv/re f 



In the aseptic form, some thickening of the parts and 

 contraction ; in the septic form, decided thickening of the 

 parts, contraction, and in case the tendon sheath becomes 

 infected, cellulitis, septicsemip,. 



Describe the treatment of tendon ruptwre. 



Attempt approximation of the parts and maintenance of 

 the same by compression, plaster of paris cast, rest. In 

 septic wounds, disinfect ; and should the tendon sheath be 

 involved, drain. Prevent excessive granulation of the sur- 

 rounding soft parts by astringent antiseptic compresses 

 (tannoform) until sequestration of the necrotic masses has 

 taken place. Any thickening .may be treated subsequently 



