Experimental comparison of technics of tendon repair

We compared tendon gliding and tensile strengths after 70 modified Bunnell, Kessler, Kleinert, or Tsuge flexor tendon repairs in chickens. We evaluated gliding by three different measurements: angular motion, longitudinal tendon movement with the toe intact, and with the repair isolated. The tendon dimensions and the rupture strengths were measured. We found equal rupture rates and tensile strengths after all repairs and equal gliding after the modified Bunnell, Kessler and Kleinert repairs. Angular motion was better after the Tsuge repair than after the modified Bunnell repair, but longitudinal tendon movement with the toe intact or with the repair isolated was the same. From our observations we believe that a hand surgeon could use either the Bunnell, Kessler, Kleinert, or Tsuge technic of flexor tendon repair and expect equal results.