Repair of the flexor pollicis longus tendon with the motion-stable Mantero technique

Nowadays direct repair is the treatment of choice for a lacerated flexor pollicis longus (FPL) tendon in any anatomical zone. Up to now repair with the motion-stable Mantero technique has not been published. Over a five years period (2004-2008) 21 complete divisions of FPL tendons in zones 1 and 2 were treated surgically with the Mantero technique. Seventeen patients were evaluated at a mean of 33 (range 14-59) months postoperatively by measuring the range of movement of interphalangeal (IP) and metacarpophalangeal (MP) joints and assessing the results with the Buck-Gramcko score. Fourteen of the patients reported excellent or good results. The mechanical rupture rate was zero. Mantero repair therefore provides a means other than more complex methods to repair FPL tendons and rehabilitation, adding strength while simplifying suture of the FPL.