[Reinsertion of the flexor tendon using a suture anchor: prospective study using early active motion]

The aim of this study was to evaluate subjective and functional results of a prospective continuous series of immediate tendon-to-bone repair of the F.D.L. using a miniaturized anchor.

Seven patients have been operated by the same surgeon in emergency for a section of the FDL in zone one. Distal tendon-to-bone re-attachment has been realized using a mini-G II Mitek anchor suture. Five of the patient were male, four of them being manual workers. Only one had a work accident. According to Leddy and Packer's classification one patient had a stage 1 lesion and the six others had stage two lesions. The injured fingers showed associated lesions in four cases. Rehabilitation consisted of early active mobilization protected by a Duran-type splint. All the patients had been examined by an independent surgeon at 10 months follow-up. Mean age at that time was 32 years.

One patient was very satisfied with his results while the six others were satisfied. Two minor complications were encountered, one of them being directly in relation to the implant. Total Active Motion (TAM) summed up to 92% of the arch of motion of the normal controlateral finger. Pinch-force reached 81% compared to that of the controlateral finger. Two patients described no pain. Mean eviction from work was 70 days.

Tendon-to-bone repair of the FDL using an anchor seems to give good results on pain, TAM and on force. The only complication due to the implant did not have any functional incidence. The series of Marin Braun on 77 cases of such repairs using a barb-wire show similar results compared to the implant used in our series. However, anchor sutures have several advantages compared to a transcutaneous device: they reduce the risk of infection, of nail dystrophy and they offer a better comfort to the patient.