An experimental flexor tendon repair in zone II that allows immediate postoperative mobilization

An experimental method of approximating severed flexor tendons in zone II that allows immediate postoperative mobilization is described. The repair uses a nonabsorbable suture anchored into the severed tendon in zone III. This experimental repair was performed on one foot in each of 18 adult, white Leghorn chickens. The control side used the modified Kessler technique to repair the zone II laceration. The animals were prevented from weight-bearing activities but were allowed active motion of the foot for 5 to 6 weeks postoperatively. The results demonstrated a marked diminution in flexor tendon adhesions, with intrinsic tendon collagen formation serving to reconstitute tendon continuity on the experimental side. The breaking strengths of the two repair methods were equivalent. These results suggest that this method may allow primary repair of tendon injuries in zone II, with minimal formation of adhesions.