Flexor Tendon Reconstruction: Active Range of Motion After the First Stage of Silicone Rod Insertion

In the first stage of flexor tendon reconstruction, a silicon rod is fixed distally to the remnant of the flexor tendon at the distal phalanx. The proximal end of the rod is left free (unsutured) in the distal forearm. Hence, the rod insertion is not expected to result in any active flexion of the finger. The author reports on a case series in which adhesions have occurred between the rod and the adjacent flexor tendons in the distal forearm.

A retrospective study of 110 patients who underwent 2-stage flexor tendon reconstruction by the author revealed 5 patients in which the fingers were actively moving good enough after the insertion of the silicone rod to the extent that patients refused to undergo the second grafting procedure. Complications, range of motion, strength, and patient satisfaction were documented.

There were no complications related to the surgery or the presence of the rod for several years. Using the Strickland criteria, all patients qualified for a good outcome. Grip strength of the affected hand averaged 85% of the contralateral normal hand, and the pinch strength of the affected finger against the thumb averaged 68% compared with the contralateral side. All patients/parents were satisfied. Ultrasound imaging confirmed the presence of adhesions between the proximal end of the silicone rod and the adjacent flexor tendons.

Our series documents a very unusual "desirable" event following the first-stage flexor tendon reconstruction. The study also documents the lack of silicone rod-related complications on long-term follow-up. The results may also encourage the use of permanent implants in flexor tendon reconstruction.