Abstract
Using rabbits as experimental animals, the changes of the mechanical characteristics in different areas of healing abdominal wall wounds were investigated. Wounds closed under hyper-tension and under reduced tension were investigated, as well as wounds closed with Prolene® and steel sutures (elastically yielding or immobilizing, respectively). The mechanical testing was performed after healing periods of varying length up to 4 weeks, and the following four parameters were measured: the breaking strength, the energy absorption, the maximum strain, and the elastic stiffness. The investigation showed that strong tension as well as immobilization of the edges of the wound cause a functionally weaker abdominal wall wound. The possible clinical importance of the results is discussed.