Overcoming the learning curve: a curriculum-based model for teaching zone II flexor tendon repairs

Repairs of zone II flexor tendons have benefited in recent years from modifications involving suture technique and configuration. These advances, however, present new obstacles in resident training. A focused tutorial incorporating a practical, hands-on exercise and standardization of technique may offer an effective low-risk, low-cost strategy for overcoming these challenges.

Plastic surgery residents (n=14) were asked to perform their preferred zone II flexor tendon repair using a tabletop exercise before and after a focused tutorial. The tutorial reviewed primary literature and presented a standardized technique. Repairs were photographed, tested for load strength, and analyzed to determine effectiveness of this teaching approach. Participants were retested at 6 months to evaluate for persistence of findings.

Posttutorial repairs required higher loads to generate a 2-mm gap (p<0.001) and ultimate breakage (p<0.001). Tendon purchase and resident confidence increased significantly. Subgroup analysis demonstrated significant improvements for both junior and senior residents. Retesting at 6 months revealed that gains were maintained over time.

The authors created a practical educational model to teach zone II flexor tendon repair outside of the time- and error-sensitive confines of the operating room. Analysis of resident pretutorial repairs revealed common misconceptions in suture technique, strand count, and purchase. This may in part be attributable to the multitude of suggested repair techniques, difficulty in comparing data across multiple studies, and steep learning curve. Training programs can use this hands-on teaching exercise as part of a hand surgery simulation curriculum.