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Using Q Suture to Enhance Resistance to Gap Formation and Tensile Strength of Repaired Flexor Tendons
Published on: June 3, 2020
Overcoming the learning curve: a curriculum-based model for teaching zone II flexor tendon repairs
Ali Sina Bari1, Colin Y Woon, Brian Pridgen
1Palo Alto, Calif. From the Robert A. Chase Hand and Upper Limb Center, the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Stanford University, and the Division of Plastic Surgery, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
|April 13, 2012
Summary
A hands-on tutorial significantly improved zone II flexor tendon repair techniques for surgical residents, enhancing suture strength and confidence. These improvements in flexor tendon repair were sustained at six months.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Surgical Education
Background:
- Advances in zone II flexor tendon repair techniques present training challenges for residents.
- A low-risk, low-cost educational strategy is needed to address these challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a focused, hands-on tutorial for teaching zone II flexor tendon repair to surgical residents.
- To assess the impact of standardized technique instruction on repair strength and resident confidence.
Main Methods:
- Fourteen plastic surgery residents performed zone II flexor tendon repairs before and after a tutorial.
- Repairs were assessed for load strength, and participants were retested at six months.
- The tutorial incorporated primary literature review and a standardized repair technique.
Main Results:
- Post-tutorial repairs demonstrated significantly higher load to failure and gap formation (p<0.001).
- Tendon purchase and resident confidence showed significant improvement.
- Gains in repair quality and confidence were maintained at the six-month follow-up.
Conclusions:
- A practical, hands-on educational model effectively teaches zone II flexor tendon repair outside the operating room.
- The tutorial addressed common resident misconceptions regarding suture technique and purchase.
- This simulation-based approach can be integrated into hand surgery training curricula.
