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Comparison of Flexor Tendon Suture Techniques Including 1 Using 10 Strands
Hyun Il Lee1, Jae Sung Lee2, Tae Hyuk Kim1
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Gangneung Asan Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Gangneung, Korea.
The Journal of Hand Surgery
|June 8, 2015
Summary
A novel 10-strand suture technique significantly enhances flexor tendon repair strength and gap resistance compared to conventional methods. This improved biomechanical performance translates to favorable clinical outcomes, enabling earlier patient mobilization.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Biomedical Engineering
- Hand Surgery
Background:
- Flexor tendon injuries in zones I and II require robust repair for optimal functional recovery.
- Conventional suture techniques may have limitations in achieving sufficient biomechanical strength.
- Evaluating novel multistrand techniques is crucial for improving tendon repair outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the mechanical properties of a novel multistrand suture technique against conventional methods for flexor tendon repair.
- To assess the biomechanical and clinical efficacy of an expandable 6- to 10-strand suture technique.
Main Methods:
- A multistrand suture technique expandable from 6 to 10 strands was developed.
- Biomechanical evaluation involved tensile testing of 60 porcine flexor tendons repaired with 2-, 4-, 6-, 8-, or 10-strand techniques.
- Clinical assessment included 25 flexor tendon repairs using the 10-strand technique, evaluated by Strickland and Glogovac criteria.
Main Results:
- The 10-strand repair demonstrated significantly higher ultimate load to failure (87 N) and 2-mm gap formation force (41 N) compared to 4-, 6-, and 8-strand repairs.
- Clinically, 21 excellent, 2 good, and 2 fair outcomes were achieved in 25 patients after a mean follow-up of 16 months.
- No poor results or ruptures were reported in the clinical cohort.
Conclusions:
- The 10-strand suture technique offers superior ultimate strength and gap resistance over conventional methods.
- This technique shows promising clinical results, supporting its use in flexor tendon repair.
- Enhanced gap resistance facilitates early mobilization, potentially improving patient recovery.
