Factors affecting the healing and return of function on the repaired digital flexor tendon

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Hand Surgery
• Vascular Anatomy

Background:

• Flexor tendon injuries in the digits are common.
• Optimal surgical repair techniques are crucial for functional recovery.
• Understanding the unique vascular supply of digital flexor tendons is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review outcomes of a personal series of flexor tendon repairs.
• To evaluate a surgical technique designed to preserve intrinsic vascularity.
• To assess the range of motion achieved after digital flexor tendon repair.

Main Methods:

• Review of 275 flexor tendon repairs in 235 patients.
• Surgical technique focused on lateral and volar suture placement to minimize vascular interference.
• Assessment of proximal and distal interphalangeal joint range of motion post-repair.

Main Results:

• The majority of patients were males aged 15-34 years.
• Mean range of motion achieved was 89% of normal for proximal interphalangeal joints.
• Mean range of motion achieved was 49% of normal for distal interphalangeal joints.

Conclusions:

• The described flexor tendon repair technique respects digital vascular anatomy.
• The technique provides good functional outcomes for proximal interphalangeal joints.
• Further refinement may be needed to improve distal interphalangeal joint motion.