Delayed flexor tendon repair in no man's land.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Hand Surgery
• Traumatology

Background:

• Digital flexor tendon injuries are common and can lead to significant functional deficits.
• Timely and effective surgical intervention is crucial for optimal recovery.
• Delayed repair strategies for flexor tendon injuries require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the outcomes of delayed repair for digital flexor tendon injuries.
• To assess the functional recovery, specifically total active motion (TAM), following delayed flexor tendon repair.
• To compare the efficacy of delayed repair with other flexor tendon reconstruction procedures.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective review of 37 digital flexor tendon injuries in 31 patients.
• Treatment involved skin closure and delayed repair within 24 hours to 21 days.
• Outcomes were assessed at a minimum of 4 months post-repair, focusing on TAM.

Main Results:

• All skin wounds healed without complications or infections.
• 36% of patients achieved TAM of 220 degrees.
• 32% achieved TAM between 200-220 degrees, 6% between 180-200 degrees, and 26% less than 180 degrees.

Conclusions:

• Delayed repair of digital flexor tendon injuries is a viable treatment option.
• This method yields functional results comparable to more complex procedures.
• Delayed repair can be performed with high expectations for successful outcomes under appropriate conditions.