[Tendolysis after flexor tendon surgery]

This review concerns itself with experimental and clinical activities which will prevent adhesions. Reference is made to work which indicates the usefulness of tendolysis including among others, the work of BOYES, BUNNELL, DUPARC, FETROW, GREULICH, ISELIN, MICHON, NEHRING, NIGST, PULVERTAFT, VERDAN, WILHELM, WRAY. The rationale, timing, indications, operative technique, use of hydrocortisone, follow-up care, and the results are reported. The experience of the Hand Surgery Division of the National Institute for Traumatology in Budapest is analyzed. Between 1966 and 1975, 1886 patients with tendon injuries were treated. In 1469 flexor tendon injuries, 2060 operations on tendons were performed. The late results of 136 tendolyses were analyzed at different times primarily according to the zone of injury and to the type of primary operation. The results were graded according to the evaluation plan of BUCK-GRAMCKO. It is established that tendolysis is a difficult and big undertaking which should only be considered by surgeons with adequate experience in hand surgery. With these additional operations, the results of tendon repairs can be improved substantially.