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Side-to-Side Versus Pulvertaft Extensor Tenorrhaphy-A Biomechanical Study.
Michael Rivlin1, Kyle R Eberlin2, Amir Reza Kachooei3
1Department of Hand and Orthopedic Surgery, Rothman Institute, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA.
The Journal of Hand Surgery
|August 23, 2016
Summary
The side-to-side (STS) tendon repair technique demonstrated superior biomechanical strength compared to the Pulvertaft (PT) weave. Both methods showed comparable repair bulk, offering valuable insights for tendon repair choices.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Biomedical Engineering
- Hand Surgery
Background:
- Tendon repair is crucial for restoring function after injury.
- The Pulvertaft (PT) weave is a common tendon repair technique.
- Evaluating biomechanical properties of different repair methods is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the biomechanical characteristics of side-to-side (STS) tendon repair with the Pulvertaft (PT) weave.
- To determine if STS repair offers comparable or superior strength and fatigue properties to PT repair.
Main Methods:
- Thirty extensor tendons were harvested from cadaver arms.
- Repairs were performed using standardized STS and PT techniques by experienced surgeons.
- Repaired tendons were assessed for bulk, ultimate strength, and fatigue properties.
Main Results:
- STS repair exhibited a higher average peak force to failure (93 N vs. 62 N) and relative strength ratio (37% vs. 22%) compared to PT repair.
- All STS repairs failed due to tissue failure, while some PT repairs experienced suture failure.
- Both STS and PT repairs showed comparable increases in bulk relative to native tendons.
Conclusions:
- Side-to-side (STS) tendon repair offers superior biomechanical properties over the Pulvertaft (PT) weave.
- STS repair demonstrates comparable repair bulk to PT repair.
- These findings can inform surgical decisions for tendon injuries and transfers.
