Abstract: Objective To establish a new bone-tendon junction injury animal models for better observation with MRI. Methods The patella of 12 mature New Zealand white rabbits were partially resected and then the tendon were sutured to bone.General examination and MRI were done after 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks. Results The general examination and MRI results showed the healing process of bone-tendon junction dynamically in 2, 4, 8, 12 weeks after operation. The process was featured as cancellous bone regeneration and bone- tendon healing contact fibrocartilage zone regeneration, which was restored gradually as time pasted. Conclusions The modified animal models do not affect bone-tendon junction healing and is better for MRI observation correctly.

Key words: Bone-tendon junction, Animal model, MRI