Objective: To investigate the biomechanical property of deep fascia strip grafts after replacing flexor tendons. Methods: Flexor tendons within sheath were replaced with lumbodorsal fascia strip grafts in 24 rabbits. Autologous tendon grafts were used for control observations. The maximum stress

the maximum strain

Young’s module

the maximum stress in the "toe region" and the maximum strain in the "toe region" of two group grafts were observed at 0

3 weeks

10 weeks

24 weeks postoperatively. Results: The change tendency of biomechanical property of lumbodorsal fascia strip after operation was similar to that of autografts; The weakest point of both groups is at 3 weeks postoperatively

and then the grafts gradually become stronger. The maximum stress and Young’s module of the lumbodorsal fascia strip grafts after operation are obviously lower than that of autologous tendon grafts ( P<0.01); at the same time

the maximum strain of the lumbodorsal fascia strip grafts are significantly higher than that of autologous tendon grafts ( P<0.05). The maximum stress in the "toe region" and the maximum strain in the "toe region" of lumbodorsal fascia strip after 10 weeks postoperatively are closer to the controls (P>0.05) . Twenty-four weeks after operation

the maximum stress in the "toe region" and the ±±maximum strain in the "toe region" of the lumbodorsal fascia strip grafts are 2.831.18 MPa

21.6911.53%

±±which are closer to that of the normal flexor tendon(3.081.24MPa

15.225.02%). Conclusion: This experiment suggested that the deep fascia strip grafts could satisfy the biomechanical need during physical activities after 24 weeks postoperatively.The reserve biomechanical property of deep fascia strip grafts is

however

lower than that of autologous tendon grafts.