Zone 2 flexor tendon repairs using a tensioned strong core suture, sparse peripheral stitches and early active motion: results in 60 fingers.
We report the outcomes of zone 2 tendon repairs in 60 fingers using a strong core suture, sparse peripheral stitches and early active motion. From January 2014 to April 2016, we repaired 60 flexor digitorum profundus tendons with a tensioned 4-strand or 6-strand core suture and three to four peripheral stitches. The A2 or A4 pulleys were vented as necessary. Following early active flexion of the repaired tendons, no repairs ruptured and 52/60 (87%) fingers recovered to good or excellent function using the Tang criteria after follow-up of 8-33 months. We conclude that tensioned multi-strand strong core repairs only require sparse peripheral stitches and are safe for early active flexion. Standard peripheral sutures are not necessary. The core sutures should be properly tensioned to prevent gapping at tendon repair site and pulleys should be sufficiently vented to allow tendon motion. Level of evidence: IV.
['Pan|Zhang Jun|ZJ|', 'Xu|Yun Fei|YF|', 'Pan|Lei|L|', 'Chen|Jing|J|']
D000293:Adolescent D000328:Adult D005081:Exercise Therapy D005260:Female D005383:Finger Injuries D005500:Follow-Up Studies D006801:Humans D008297:Male D008875:Middle Aged D011182:Postoperative Care D016059:Range of Motion, Articular D013165:Splints D013536:Suture Techniques D013537:Sutures D013708:Tendon Injuries D055815:Young Adult
Flexor tendon tendon repair rupture peripheral sutures tensioned core sutures