Four Anchor Repair of Jersey Finger

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Hand Surgery
• Musculoskeletal Research

Background:

• Avulsions of the flexor digitorum profundus tendon at the distal phalanx present a surgical challenge with no universally ideal technique.
• Existing surgical methods for this injury have limitations, prompting the development of new approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and evaluate a novel, all-internal 4-anchor flexor tendon repair technique.
• To assess the clinical outcomes and efficacy of this technique in patients with distal flexor digitorum profundus tendon avulsions.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective case series involving three patients with distal flexor digitorum profundus tendon avulsions.
• Surgical treatment utilized a 4-anchor technique with titanium and all-suture anchors, employing a Krackow stitch pattern.
• Clinical outcomes including range of motion and complications were assessed at 3-month, 12-month, and 5-year follow-ups.

Main Results:

• All three patients achieved excellent clinical outcomes, regaining full flexion by 3 months.
• Full flexion and extension were achieved by all patients at 12-month follow-up.
• Long-term (5-year) follow-up showed sustained excellent results with no loss of function, sensation, or grip strength, and no reported complications or repair ruptures.

Conclusions:

• The 4-anchor flexor tendon repair technique is a viable and effective option for zone 1 flexor digitorum profundus tendon repair or reconstruction.
• The technique demonstrated excellent clinical outcomes and durability in this small case series.
• Further research, including biomechanical validation, is recommended to support these promising findings.