Early Results of Flexor Tendon Repair in Zone II With Modified, Four-Strand Strickland Technique

摘要

Early Results of Flexor Tendon Repair in Zone II With Modified, Four-Strand Strickland TechniqueNew materials, techniques of tendon suture and methods of post-operative rehabilitation offer surgeons perspective of effective repair and excellent outcomes. Results of experimental studies show that multistrand tendon suture provides better mechanical properties than two-strand technique, however, clinical use in only 4 studies did not confirm its definitive superiority to traditional method of the repair.The aim of the study was the assessment of the outcomes of the treatment of flexor tendon repair by a modified, four-strand Stickland technique.Material and methods. Flexor tendons lacerations in 60 patients, all in Verdan's zone II, without associated bone fractures and impaired blood supply were repaired by a modified, four-strand Stickland technique. An active flexion and extension of the fingers in the range restricted by a splint was recommended immediately after operation. Early results were evaluated in 51 patients, 41 men and 10 women, in a mean age of 31 years, in whom 69 tendons were repaired in 69 digits. Follow-up at 2 and 6 weeks included examination of total active range of motion (AROM) of involved fingers, rupture rate and complications.Results. Failure of the repair occurred in 3 cases (6%), including one thumb, index and little finger, all between 2nd and 6th week after the operation. A mean AROM at 2 and 6 weeks was 38% and 58% of the normal value (270° for the finger and for 170° the thumb), respectively. In 13 digits (28%) AROM at 6 weeks was excellent, greater than 80%, but in 5 digits was poor, less than 20% of the normal value. The main cause of reduced AROM was incomplete extension of the digits, due to splint employment up to 6 weeks post-operatively.Conclusions. Early results obtained in the study fail to confirm greater endurance of four-strand repair over two-strand, what suggest rupture rate closed to given in the literature. An active range of motion achieved in the group was poorer than obtained after two-strand repair in other studies, but one can expect its improvement in the longer perspective.