[Secondary reconstruction of the digital A2-flexor pulley]

Secondary reconstruction of A2 flexor pulley for after closed rupture.

Persisting impairment of finger function and strength after combined injury of A2 and C1 pulley. Passive free movement of all finger joints.

Fixed flexion contractures of interphalangeal joints after complex finger injuries. Degenerative arthrosis of interphalangeal joints.

A strip of extensor retinaculum approximately 10 mm in width together with the periosteum from the second floor of the extensor tunnel was used for reconstruction of the A2 pulley. After drilling bilateral burr holes in the palmar aspect of the phalanx at the distal and proximal ends of the A2 pulley, the graft was fixed by the periosteum to the bone of the phalanx, placing the synovial layer innermost.

Postoperatively, patients in both treatment groups wore a palmar splint which extended from the distal interphalangeal joint to the proximal palmar crease for 4 weeks. The metacarpophalangeal joint and the proximal interphalangeal joint were held in full extension. After removing the splint, physiotherapy was started. Full load-bearing, hard manual work and sport activities were not permitted for 3 months.

Fifteen patients were treated using the extensor retinaculum for reconstruction of the A2 flexor pulley. The mean follow-up time was 48 months. The average range of motion of the PIP joint was 97 %, the average power grip strength 96 %, the finger pinch strength 100 %, and the average circumference 95 % of the uninjured contralateral side. The Buck-Gramcko score showed the following results: 10 excellent, 2 good, and 1 fair.