Objective: The role of greater omentum as a free non-vascularized flap is assessed in tendon healing.

Materials and Methods: Both superficial flexor tendons of 8 male, healthy dogs were severed from above the tarsus and sutured by locking loop method with 3/0 nylon. A small piece of greater omentum (about 2x2 cm) mainly consisting of fat, was obtained through a small midline incision and wrapped around the tenotomy site of the left hind limb. The limbs were kept in a short cast for 7 days. Flunixin meglumine was administered intramuscularly to control pain. On day 12, a biopsy was taken from the sites of tenotomy for histopathologic examination (H&E staining).

Results: In the control group (the right limb), mild and young granulation tissue, some degree of hyperemia, hemorrhage, and neutrophilic and lymphocytic infiltration, were observed. In the treatment group (the left limb), extensive and relatively mature granulation tissue, prominent angiogenesis, infiltration of macrophage, giant cell formation, and negligible neutrophilic infiltration were observed. The dogs were ambulatory and quite active with no signs of lameness or any limitation in movement.

Conclusion: Autogenous non-vascularized free flaps of greater omentum can augment angiogenesis and accelerate tendon healing.