A Novel Stitching Technique: Adjustable Closed-Loop Sewing Machine Lock Stitching Technique to Bend or Unbend Cartilages

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a novel adjustable, closed-loop sewing machine lock stitching technique on cartilage shape. This study was performed on 18 rabbits that were divided into 3 groups to evaluate the short- (Group I), medium- (Group II), and long-term (Group III) effects of the technique on cartilage shape. Three cartilage grafts were obtained from the right and left ears of the rabbits and measured angularly. For the cartilage grafts obtained from the right ears, contours were corrected using the stitching technique proposed herein. The cartilage grafts obtained from the left ears were not stitched; these were maintained as the control group. Angular measurements were performed for the stitched cartilage grafts, and all the cartilages grafts obtained were finally embedded into the rabbits' backs. The rabbits in Groups I, II, and III were euthanized at week 2, 6, and 12, respectively, after which the cartilages were reevaluated for angular measurement and submitted for histopathological examination. A significant improvement from baseline was detected in the angular measurements of the stitched cartilage grafts obtained from the rabbits in each group. For the stitched cartilage grafts obtained from Group II and III rabbits, the angular measurements obtained immediately after stitching were found to be better than those obtained after euthanasia. In histopathological evaluation elevated collagen, perichondrium, and connective tissue levels were detected in grafts obtained from Group Ill rabbits. The novel stitching technique proposed herein appears to have beneficial long-term effects on the maintenance of cartilage contour.