Purpose: Numerous flexor tendon repairs have been described. The ideal core flexor tendon repair optimizes strength characteristics while minimizing factors felt to contribute to adhesion formation. The present study compares ultimate tensile strength, gap strength, and surgical time in the Lahey repair, a new 4-strand flexor tendon repair, to 2 previously described techniques.
Methods: The flexor digitorum profundus tendons of 30 porcine forelimbs were repaired in situ using 1 of 3 flexor tendon repair techniques. The techniques compared included the 4-strand Kessler repair, the cruciate repair, and the experimental Lahey repair (4-strand Kessler with cruciate modification). Biomechanical testing was conducted in order to obtain initial gap strength and ultimate tensile strength.
Results: Although not significantly different from the 4-strand Kessler, the ultimate tensile strength of the Lahey repair was significantly greater than that of the cruciate repair.
Conclusions: The Lahey flexor tendon repair has significantly greater ultimate tensile strength than the cruciate repair. These findings suggest that the Lahey repair can be considered a biomechanically favorable 4-strand technique for the repair of flexor tendon lacerations.