Staged reconstruction of flexor tendons with a silicone rod and a "pedicled" sublimis transfer

We report the results in 11 cases of secondary flexor tendon reconstruction, employing a silicone rubber rod and a sublimis/profundus tenorrhaphy in the first stage, then hinging out the sublimis tendon on the profundus motor at the second stage. Achievement of a healed proximal tenorrhaphy before the second stage allows (1) inspection of the proximal tenorrhaphy (with assessment of its location, apperance, and strength) and (2) early postoperative motion in a controlled range (with greater confidence in the proximal tenorrhaphy, as rupture after free tendon grafting is not uncommon. The functional results attained were comparable to those in other series of secondary flexor tendon reconstructions.