[The Mantero technique for flexor tendon repair - an alternative?]

Regaining free tendon gliding after reconstruction of flexor tendons is essential to restore full function to the affected finger. Mantero et al. described a pull-out suture technique for the repair of flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) lesions in zone 1, allowing early postoperative active mobilisation and thus minimizing the risk of tendon adhesions. In a retrospective study we examined the results after Mantero tendon repair and compared these with the results after different reconstructive procedures in the literature.

Between 1995 and 2001, the FDP tendon in zone 1 and distal half of zone 2 distal to the chiasma respectively the flexor pollicis longus (FPL) tendon were reconstructed in 96 patients using the Mantero technique. 87 (90 %) patients, with a male to female ratio of 2 : 1, were re-examined an average of 43 (4 to 84) months postoperatively. We evaluated the isolated function of the finger joints, the total range of motion of the affected finger and grip strength and compared all values to the contralateral healthy side and assessed the functional results according to the Buck-Gramcko score and the patients' satisfaction according to the DASH score. Special attention was directed to the influence of the patients' age, gender, art of trauma, accompanying injuries or level of the lesion on the postoperative results. Furthermore, we evaluated whether clinical results depended on which finger was injured.

71 % (n = 62) of all injuries were found in the distal zone 2 or distal zone Th 2 in the thumb. While 81 % (n = 70) were caused by a clean cut, 10 % (n = 9) were due to a circular saw injury and 9 % (n = 8) due to a crush injury. The average DASH score value was 5.4 (0 to 37.5) with excellent and good results according to the Buck-Gramcko score in 90.8 % (n = 79) of all patients. Only the patients' age (> 50 years vs. < 20 years) and the digit involved (little finger vs. index, middle and ring fingers) had a significant influence on the postoperative results. Aside from superficial skin necrosis in 10 % of all cases, in which no further operative therapy was necessary, no other complications occurred. Interestingly, no ruptures of the sutured tendons were found, although active mobilisation was initiated immediately. Compared to the literature, the 90,8 % excellent and good results are equivalent to those of other studies concerning reconstruction after flexor tendon injuries using the Mantero technique and tend to be better than other reconstructive procedures.

Based on our results, we consider the Mantero technique to be a good alternative to other forms of flexor tendon reconstruction in zone 1 and distal zone 2. Advantages include the possibility of immediate postoperative mobilisation and placing a secure tendon suture, even if the distal tendon stump is very short.