Delayed Wound Healing Worsens Outcomes in Flexor Tendon Repair Surgery

Flexor tendon injury in the hand is an injury that can be associated with significant morbidity, prolonged outpatient care, and potential revision surgery. We aimed to establish whether delayed healing is a risk factor for poorer functional outcomes for patients undergoing repair of zone 1/2 injuries. The records of patients treated for flexor tendon injuries were analyzed retrospectively. Patient demographics, comorbidities, injury mechanism, surgical details, and outpatient outcomes were recorded including total active movement and repair rupture. Sixty-one injuries were identified. Linear regression demonstrated a statistically significant negative relationship between days to healed wound and total active movement at 6 and 12 weeks. Increased time to healing is associated with poorer functional outcomes. We advise careful consideration of surgical exploration to reduce the burden of healing and allow improved outcomes.