[Direct flexor tendon suture in the digital sheath]

From 1976 to 1976 in 44 fingers (41 patients) flexor tendons within the digital sheath (zone I and II) were repaired by direct suture. A modification of KESSLER's "grasping" suture was employed. In 21 fingers only the deep flexor and in 23 fingers both flexor tendons were divided; in these cases a repair of both tendons was carried out whenever possible. In cases of delayed repair, however, secondary changes of the gliding apparatus often prevented a repair of the superficialis tendon. Tenolysis was proposed in one half of the cases. It was done not earlier than 3 months after tendon suture. After division of both flexor tendons we obtained in cases with good preoperative conditions (21 fingers) 66% of good and excellent results, according to BOYES' classification, and 75% according to BUCK-GRAMCKO's classification.