[Tenoarthrolysis after flexor tendon injuries]

Normal function of the fingers and thumb depends on properly gliding flexor tendons and a free range of motion of the involved joints. This normal gliding function may be inhibited by adhesions due to damage of the tendon, tendon sheath and adjacent tissue. When digital function is still limited despite a long-term course of hand therapy and there are no signs of further improvement, surgical intervention should be considered. There are no absolute indications for tenoathrolysis of the flexor tendons. With respect to complications, such as secondary tendon rupture, loss of annular pulleys and scar formation, it is part of a stepwise reconstructive concept including further procedures, such as staged flexor tendon reconstruction. Important preconditions for tenoathrolysis are motivation of the patient, the possibility of readily available and frequent postoperative follow-up hand therapy, healed fractures and osteotomy, mature soft tissue, intact tendons and gliding tissue. Preoperatively, a maximum passive range of motion of the involved joints should be achieved. During the operative procedure all adhesive tissue surrounding the tendon within and outside the tendon sheath is consistently resected preserving the annular pulleys as far as possible. Therefore, extensive approaches, arthrolysis, dissolution of unfavorable scar tissue, resection of scarred lumbrical muscles and annular pulley reconstruction are frequently necessary. Salvage procedures, such as arthrodesis, amputation, ray resection or multistage flexor tendon reconstruction are recommended in failed cases and should be considered even preoperatively. In order to retain the intraoperative functional improvement hand therapy for at least 3-6 months should follow.