Outcomes of 200 digital flexor tendon repairs using updated protocols and 30 repairs using an old protocol: experience over 7 years.
We reviewed outcomes of 230 flexor tendon repairs in 27 thumbs and 203 fingers in Zone 1 and 2 over 7 years. In 2013, we used a 2-strand modified Kessler method followed by passive motion exercise in repairing flexor digitorum profundus tendon injuries in Zone 2 in 30 fingers; 24 fingers were followed, five (26%) had repair ruptures. Between 2014 and 2017, we used a 4- or 6-strand method to repair 111 flexor digitorum profundus tendons in Zone 2, followed by true early active motion. Two had repair ruptures. Among 101 fingers followed over 6 months, two fingers had tenolysis and 87 (87%) good or excellent outcomes. In 2018 to 2019, we used a 6-strand method to repair 42 flexor digitorum profundus tendons in Zone 2 with out-of-splint early active motion. None had repair ruptures or tenolysis. From 2014 to 2019, 27 flexor pollicis longus tendons were repaired in Zone 1 or 2, and 20 fingers had end-to-end flexor digitorum profundus repairs in Zone 1; none had repair ruptures or tenolysis. We conclude that a strong repair and true active motion are necessary for best outcomes of flexor tendon repairs in the thumb and fingers, and out-of-splint true active motion is safe.
['Pan|Zhang Jun|ZJ|', 'Pan|Lei|L|', 'Xu|Yun Fei|YF|', 'Ma|Tao|T|', 'Yao|Lei Hui|LH|']
D000293:Adolescent D000328:Adult D005260:Female D005383:Finger Injuries D005500:Follow-Up Studies D006801:Humans D008297:Male D008875:Middle Aged D011183:Postoperative Complications D013536:Suture Techniques D013708:Tendon Injuries D055815:Young Adult
outcomes Flexor tendons early active flexion out of splint motion pulley venting repair methods