Influence of Interlocking Horizontal Mattress Epitendinous Suture Placement on Tendinous Biomechanical Properties in a Canine Common Calcaneal Laceration Model.

 Addition of an epitendinous suture pattern significantly reduced gap formation between tendon ends and significantly increased loads at yield (1.8 × ), peak (2.0 × ) and failure (2.0 × ) force of repairs. Use of an epitendinous suture should be considered to significantly increase biomechanical strength of repairs; however, further in vivo testing is necessary to evaluate its effect on tendinous blood supply.