Background: Peritendinous adhesion is the most common complication following tendon surgery, particularly in zone 2 of the hand. Prevention of inflammation around tendon that develops following trauma and surgery can decrease tendon adhesion formation. This study evaluates the effect of some anti-inflammatory cytokines and 5-fleurouracil in prevention of peritendinous adhesion formation. Methods: Sixteen rabbits were allocated equally into 4 groups. Tendons of index and ring fingers in zone 2 of the right hind paw were cut in all animals and then repaired. In groups 1 and 2, interferon (IFN)-α and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) were administered locally to repair sites of index and ring fingers, respectively. In groups 3 and 4, normal saline and IFN-β were locally applied to repair sites of index and ring fingers, respectively. Three weeks later, tensiometric and histopathologic evaluations were performed. Results: The force required for removing the tendon from the sheath was not different between the groups (P, .130), but the time that was required for removal was significantly shorter in 5-FU group (P, .049). The strength of repair was not different between the groups in terms of force and time needed for rupture (P, .11 and .67, respectively). In histopathologic examination, normal architecture of tendon and peritendon environment was less disturbed in IFN groups, especially in IFN-β specimens. Conclusions: Local application of 5-FU significantly reduced peritendinous adhesion. Local IFN-α and β had no significant effect on prevention of peritendinous adhesion formation. Strength of the repair was not affected by these cytokines and 5-FU.
