Management of acute flexor tendon injuries

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Hand surgery
• Musculoskeletal research

Background:

• Flexor tendon injuries require prompt and effective surgical management.
• Optimal surgical techniques and rehabilitation protocols are crucial for functional recovery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline best practices for primary or delayed primary flexor tendon repair.
• To emphasize the importance of surgical technique and postoperative rehabilitation.

Main Methods:

• Review of established surgical techniques for flexor tendon repair.
• Discussion of suture materials and repair methods, including modified Kessler and Tajima techniques.
• Emphasis on the role of flexor tendon sheath repair when feasible.

Main Results:

• Nonabsorbable sutures with modified Kessler or Tajima techniques demonstrate efficacy in flexor tendon repair.
• Repair of the flexor tendon sheath, when possible, is recommended.
• Early active or passive motion programs are beneficial post-repair.

Conclusions:

• Surgical repair of both profundus and superficialis flexor tendons is indicated for nearly all patients.
• Effective surgical repair and supervised early motion are key components of successful flexor tendon injury management.