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Functional outcome in patients with zone V flexor tendon injuries
Cigdem Bircan1, Ozlem El, Elif Akalin
1Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Dokuz Eylul University School of Medicine, Inciralti 35340, Izmir, Turkey. cigdem.bircan@deu.edu.tr
Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery
|April 12, 2005
Summary
Zone V flexor tendon injuries can achieve excellent functional outcomes with proper surgical repair and careful postoperative management. Most patients regain significant grip and pinch strength, enabling a return to work.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Hand Surgery
- Traumatology
Background:
- Zone V flexor tendon injuries pose risks to nerves, arteries, and flexor muscles.
- Functional outcomes of these injuries are infrequently reported.
- This study addresses the need for data on functional outcomes after zone V flexor tendon repair.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the functional outcomes of patients who underwent zone V flexor tendon repair.
- To assess hand function, strength recovery, and return to work status.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective follow-up of 18 patients with zone V flexor tendon injuries.
- Average follow-up period of 20 months.
- Postoperative rehabilitation using modified Kleinert and Duran techniques.
- Outcome assessment via Buck-Gramcko system, grip/pinch strength, and return to work.
Main Results:
- Excellent functional results achieved in 92.8% of digits.
- Grip strength recovered to 77% and pinch strength to 74% of the uninjured hand.
- 13 of 15 employed patients returned to their original occupations.
- Complications included 2 tendon ruptures and 3 cases requiring tenolysis.
Conclusions:
- Zone V flexor tendon injuries can yield satisfactory functional results.
- Proper surgical technique and meticulous postoperative management are crucial for optimal outcomes.
- Early rehabilitation is key to restoring hand function and work status.