Repair of severe muscle belly lacerations using a tendon graft

Fourteen patients with 58 severe forearm muscle belly lacerations had muscle repair using tendon grafts. At mean follow-up of 14 months, results of manual muscle testing (N = 58) were: grade 5, 42%, grade 4, 14%, grade 3, 9%, grade 2, 9%, grade 1, 12%, and grade 0, 15%. Mean grip strength of the injured extremity, in pounds per square inch, was 33.5 compared with 83.4 on the noninjured side. Tendon excursion and joint mobility were maintained, and there were no postoperative complications. Tendon grafting of severe muscle lacerations is an effective method to overcome extensive defects.