Figure 3

Transversal sections of the rabbit Achilles tendon (AT) in DCE-MRI and histology. Control group (A-C) and operated group (D-F). Contrast enhancement in MIR in both groups corresponds to the red area on map colour with maximal contrast increase inclination. Scarring area in the operated group (yellow arrow (D)) corresponds to the red area on map colour (white arrow (E)) and pointed area on histology in the posterior region of the tendon (black arrow (F)). Details of the scar tissue (G-I), with less organized collagen in (G) (arrow), hypercellularity on the left side compared to the normal tendon on the right (H) and preserved muscle fibres (arrow) between the scar tissue and normal tendon (I) (haematoxylin-eosin stain).