Flexor tendon injuries

J Clin Orthop Trauma. 2019 Sep-Oct;10(5):853-861. doi: 10.1016/j.jcot.2019.08.005. Epub 2019 Aug 19.

Abstract

Flexor tendon injuries have constituted a large portion of the literature in hand surgery over many years. Yet many controversies remain and the techniques of surgery and therapy are still evolving. The anatomical and finer technical considerations involved in treating these injuries have been put forth and discussed in detail including the rehabilitation following the flexor tendon repair. The authors consider, recognition and mastery of these facts form the foundation for a successful flexor tendon repair. The trend is now towards multiple strand core sutures followed by early active mobilization. However, the rehabilitation process appears to be one of the major determinant of the success following a flexor tendon repair. Early mobilization is essential for all the flexor tendon repairs as it is proved to improve the quality of the repaired tendon. The art of achieving the harmony between a stronger repair and unhindered gliding of the repair site through the narrow flexor tendon sheath simultaneously can be mastered with practice added to the knowledge of the basic principles.

Keywords: Core sutures; Early passive mobilization; Flexor zones of hand; Pulley system.

Publication types

  • Review