Is microsurgical experience essential in Zone II flexor tendon injuries?

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Hand Surgery
• Microsurgery

Background:

• Zone II flexor tendon injuries are common and complex.
• These injuries often involve associated digital artery or nerve damage.
• Microsurgical expertise is often required for optimal repair.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if microsurgical experience is necessary for treating Zone II flexor tendon injuries.
• To evaluate the impact of associated injuries on treatment outcomes.
• To assess the necessity of microsurgery for Zone II flexor tendon injuries with associated damage.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 73 Zone II flexor tendon injuries in 71 patients.
• Evaluation of clinical outcomes using American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH) scores.
• Comparison of outcomes based on accompanying digital artery, nerve, or phalanx fracture injuries.

Main Results:

• Lower ASSH scores were observed in patients with accompanying digital nerve (p=0.029) and digital artery injuries (p=0.012).
• Patients with accompanying fractures had significantly lower ASSH scores (p<0.001).
• The lowest mean ASSH score was recorded in patients with fractures.

Conclusions:

• Zone II flexor tendon injuries frequently present with associated digital artery or nerve injuries.
• Microsurgical repair is often necessary for these complex injuries.
• Surgical centers treating flexor tendon injuries must possess microsurgical capabilities for optimal patient outcomes.