Idiopathic Avascular Necrosis of the Capitate Treated with a Medial Femoral Trochlea Vascularized Osteochondral Flap: A Case Report.

CASE: Capitate avascular necrosis should be entertained in a differential diagnosis of young, active adults with midcarpal wrist pain. We present a case study of a 30-year-old laborer who developed avascular necrosis (AVN) of his right proximal capitate. Grip strength and wrist motion were limited on examination, with advanced imaging confirming AVN. A diagnostic arthroscopy confirmed the pathology. Treatment was completed with a medial femoral trochlea vascularized flap for cartilaginous resurfacing. At 10-month follow-up, the patient's capitate was healed with stable fixation, and he is working full-time as a laborer without restrictions. CONCLUSION: AVN of the capitate is a unique and challenging articular pathology that requires a thoughtful preoperative evaluation and meticulous surgical technique to reconstruct. The medial femoral trochlea (MFT) vascularized bone transfer with cartilaginous resurfacing is 1 available treatment option. This flap is harvested from the medial femur using microsurgical techniques, based on the descending genicular artery. Using a 2-surgeon approach, simultaneous dissection of the AVN is completed at the wrist. This flap is a vascularized option that can be used for both AVN and nonunion with structural deformity before salvage surgeries.

Treatment and Outcomes of Missed Perilunate Dislocations: A Case Series.

Background Perilunate dislocations are devastating injuries that occur relatively rarely, accounting for only 7% of injuries to the carpus. Unfortunately, approximately 25% of these injuries are missed on initial evaluation. Acutely diagnosed perilunate dislocations may be successfully treated with ligament and osseous repair, depending on the injury pattern. Chronic dislocations, however, are primarily treated with salvage procedures. This case series was performed to investigate the outcomes of patients who sustained a perilunate dislocation that was diagnosed in a delayed fashion and look for any treatment patterns that could be more widely applied to future patients. Methods Patients presenting to a single institution between 2016 and 2018 with a perilunate injury that either presented in a delayed fashion or was missed on initial assessment were identified and their characteristics were evaluated. The surgical management of these patients was assessed as was their postoperative course at their 2-week, 6-week, 3-month, and 6-month clinic follow-up visits. Results Eight patients were identified with perilunate dislocations that were diagnosed in a delayed fashion. On average, these dislocations were diagnosed 133 days following the date of injury. All patients were males and 7/8 of them were between 17 and 20 years of age at the time of their injury (mean age: 25.5). They were treated with either primary repair, wrist fusion, proximal row carpectomy, or scaphoid excision and four-corner fusion (SEFCF). Both pain and range of motion improved following surgical management of these injuries. Conclusion Perilunate dislocations are rare injuries that are notorious for being diagnosed late, at which point primary repair is oftentimes no longer feasible. Salvage procedures are able to improve the range of motion and pain of patients who are found to have chronic dislocations. Our case series highlights the importance of treating each missed perilunate injury individually and avoiding a "one-size-fits-all" approach.

Timing of Olecranon Fracture Fixation Does Not Affect Early Complication or Reoperation Rates.

Purpose: Surgical fixation of olecranon fractures can lead to soft-tissue complications and return to the operating room for hardware removal. While some risk factors of complications after olecranon fracture fixation have been described, the effects of fixation timing on complications and reoperation have not been evaluated. The purpose of the present study was to assess whether the timing of olecranon fracture fixation affects complication and reoperation rates. Methods: All patients who underwent olecranon fracture open reduction and internal fixation at a single level 1 trauma center from January 2012 to February 2022 were included in the study. A retrospective review was performed to evaluate patients for inclusion and to identify patient demographic factors, medical comorbidities, concomitant injuries, mechanism of injury, and time to fixation. Operative and clinical notes were evaluated to identify fixation type and outcomes of interest. Patients were stratified into early, standard, and delayed fixation groups (0-3 days, 4-14 days, and >14 days, respectively) for independent analyses, and Fisher's exact test was used to identify differences in complications and reoperations between groups. Multivariate analysis was used to assess associations between patient demographic factors, complication rates, and time to surgery. Results: A total of 97 patients met inclusion criteria of having an olecranon open reduction and internal fixation and had a minimum follow-up of at least 10 weeks, with an average follow-up of 7.1 months. The average time to surgery in the overall cohort was 9.3 days. There were no differences in the number of total complications and rate of reoperation among the three cohorts. Smoking was found to be significantly associated with total complications, while open fracture was significantly associated with reoperation. Polytrauma and open fracture were significantly associated with earlier operation, while smoking was significantly associated with delayed fixation. Conclusions: The timing of fixation of displaced olecranon fractures does not significantly increase the rate of early complications or reoperation. Type of study/level of evidence: Symptom Prevalence Study III.

The Impact of Social Determinants of Health on the Treatment of Distal Radius Fracture.

BACKGROUND: Disparities in social determinants of health (SDH) have been shown to play an increasingly important role in the equitable delivery of health care. Distal radius fractures (DRFs) are among the most common upper-extremity injuries encountered. This study aims to examine the influence of economic, educational, social, environmental, and healthcare disparities on management of these injuries. METHODS: PearlDiver Mariner insurance claims database was analyzed for treatment patterns of DRF in patients aged 18 to 65 years based on the presence or absence of social determinants of health disparities (SDHDs). Outcome variables included the primary mode of management of DRF, including operative versus non-operative, as well as concomitant procedures. Multivariate logistic regression was used to compare fracture management modality in patients with and without SDHDs. RESULTS: Of 161 704 patients identified with DRF, 38.3% had at least 1 reported SDHD. The majority of SDHDs were economic. Patients identified with 1 or more SDHDs had a higher medical comorbidity index. Patients with environmental SDHD were more likely to receive non-operative management. Within any SDHD and economic subgroups, odds of operative management were higher. No relationship was identified between SDHD and concomitant procedures. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of environmental disparities in SDH may predispose patients disproportionately to non-operative management. The presence of SDHDs may influence medical decision-making in favor of open reduction and internal fixation in patients with DRF treated operatively. In treating at-risk populations, providers should be aware of the potential for implicit bias associated with SDHDs and prioritize shared decision-making between patients and physicians.

Is This Going to Hurt, Doc? Predicting Pain with Corticosteroid Injections for Upper Extremity Conditions.

Corticosteroid injections (CSIs) are used in a wide variety of upper extremity pathologies for both diagnostic and treatment purposes. Many patients ask about pain associated with the procedure before agreeing to proceed. The purpose of this study was to correlate perceived pain tolerance and resilience with patient-reported injection pain during and immediately after injection. Methods: One-hundred patients indicated for a CSI for an upper extremity condition were recruited for the study. Patients completed a Brief Resilience Scale, Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System pain interference form, and assessment of pain tolerance before injection. Physicians predicted pain tolerance and resilience for each patient. Immediately after the procedure, patients completed a second survey, assessing pain during and 1 minute after injection. Results: Physician-predicted patient resilience and pain tolerance was lower than that self-reported by patients. Pain with injection was inversely correlated with physician-predicted pain tolerance and resilience but not with patient-reported pain tolerance. Injection pain ratings did not correspond with patients' willingness to undergo subsequent injections. Conclusions: Procedural pain is an important consideration for many patients, especially in awake procedures. Appropriate counseling is crucial to support informed consent and enhance patient outcomes. This study demonstrated that a physician's clinical experience can be used to predict a patient's pain with CSI and should be considered when counseling patients.

Successfully Treated Upper-Extremity Necrotizing Fasciitis Caused by Photobacterium damselae.

Necrotizing fasciitis is a soft-tissue infection associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The bacteria most associated with necrotizing fasciitis include Streptococcus pyogenes (group A), Clostridium species, Streptococcus species, and Staphylococcus species. Photobacterium damselae (P. damselae), formerly known as Vibrio damselae, is a halophilic, gram-negative bacillus known to infect marine organisms in warm coastal waters. Necrotizing fasciitis associated with P. damselae has been reported to have higher rates of serious complications and mortality because of an atypical presentation and a rapidly progressive course. This report presents a case of successfully treated P. damselae necrotizing fasciitis of the upper extremity and the nuances of management that led to a favorable outcome in which the patient was discharged for home without complications.

Arthrodesis of the First to Second Metacarpal for Definitive Management of Failed Thumb Carpometacarpal Arthroplasty: A Case Series.

Thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) arthroplasty with resection of the trapezium and soft tissue interposition, with or without ligament reconstruction, has historically proven to be an efficacious treatment for thumb CMC arthritis. The incidence of failure following primary thumb CMC arthroplasty is low; however, the evaluation and management of a patient experiencing an unsatisfactory outcome following CMC arthroplasty is challenging. If symptoms are refractory to conservative measures, then revision surgical treatment may be indicated. Clinical decision making becomes even more complicated in cases of failure after an initial revision surgery has already been performed. In patients with a failed CMC arthroplasty revision in whom all soft tissue options have been exhausted, the senior author considers arthrodesis of the first metacarpal base to the second metacarpal base as a salvage procedure. The authors describe this surgical technique and present our experience with 4 cases in 3 patients who underwent this surgical intervention. Successful radiographic fusion was achieved in all 4 cases, with satisfactory clinical outcome in 3 out of 4 cases, supporting this surgical technique as a definitive option for patients who have failed multiple CMC arthroplasty revision surgeries.

Peripherally Inserted Central Line Catheters following Hand and Wrist Infections.

Hand and wrist infections may cause varying degrees of morbidity requiring antibiotic therapy of variable duration and often operative intervention. Peripherally inserted central line catheters (PICCs) are placed when an extended course of intravenous antibiotics is anticipated. The present study aims to analyze utilization and impact of PICC placement on the management of hand, wrist, and forearm infections. Methods: The PearlDiver Patients Records Database was queried to identify patients who underwent treatment for infection of the hand, wrist, and forearm between 2010 and 2018. Logistic regression analysis was utilized to evaluate the association of patient-related risk factors with PICC utilization, complications, readmissions, and length of stay (LOS). Results: A total of 24,665 patients with an upper extremity infection were included in the study. Ultimately, 416 patients required a PICC placement (1.69%). Patients with older age, male gender, certain medical comorbidities, and infection involving deeper structures were more likely to require a PICC. Ninety-day all-cause medical complication rates were significantly higher for the PICC group (19.7% versus 6.7%) compared to those without. Any hospital readmission rates were significantly higher for PICC group at 90 days (28.4% versus 6.3%) and 1 year (35.8% versus 10.9%). Readmission rates remained slightly higher at 1 year for both groups. The PICC group demonstrated significantly longer LOS by 2 days (7.72 days versus 5.14 days). Conclusion: While not required for the majority of hand, wrist, and forearm infections, PICC placement is associated with increased medical complications, more frequent hospital readmissions, and longer LOS.

Magnetic Resonance Arthrography of the Wrist: The Impact on Operative Management of Wrist Injuries.

Background There is no consensus on the utility of arthrography in the evaluation of wrist injuries. This study evaluates ordering trends of different types of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the wrist and compares rates of surgery following these imaging modalities. Methods A national claims-based database was used to identify patients who underwent MRI within 90 days of a first-instance diagnosis of wrist injury from 2010 to 2018. The utilization of MRI without intravenous (IV) contrast, MRI with IV contrast, and MRI with arthrogram was investigated. The instances of operative procedures of the wrist within 1 year of MRI study were recorded. Patient demographics, comorbidities, type of operative procedure, and ordering physician specialty were obtained. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the utilization of MRI and subsequent 1-year operative intervention rates as well as association of patient-related factors. Results Magnetic resonance arthrography use was associated with higher rates of subsequent operative treatment. Surgeons were more likely to order an arthrogram at the time of MRI. Younger patients were more likely to undergo MRI-based advanced imaging. Conclusion Surgeons may perceive MRA of the wrist to play an important role in operative decision-making following wrist injury. Level of Evidence This is a Level III, retrospective cohort study.

A Series of Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Flexor Tenosynovitis Infections and Cost of Treatment.

Background Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are rare but potentially devastating causes of musculoskeletal infection and impairment in immunocompetent patients. Purpose Given the sparse body of literature surrounding these infections, we describe a series of patients with and the cost of treatment of upper extremity NTM infections. Patients and Methods In a retrospective review of seven patients with NTM infections of the upper extremity treated at a university hospital from 2010 to 2019, we assessed patient demographics, exposures, infection characteristics, management course, outcomes, and costs of treatment. Results Insidious pain and swelling were the most common clinical manifestation of infection. Despite coupled surgical and medical management, recurrence was common. Two patients required amputation, and three others had lasting functional deficits. The most common pathogen was Mycobacterium avium complex (5 of 7). The estimated median charge related to management was $85,126 with a range from $8,361 to $1,66,229. Conclusions The treatment of NTM infections is complex and expensive. Diagnosis is usually delayed, which further complicates the management of these patients who often suffer from lasting debilitation. Due to its potentially devastating course, NTM infection should be considered and tested for whenever flexor tenosynovitis is suspected. Regardless of initial presentation, our experience suggests that a protocol of serial surgical debridement immediately after tissue diagnosis is necessary for optimal outcomes. Furthermore, NTM infections require collaboration with infectious disease colleagues to guide antimicrobial regimens based on susceptibility testing and therapeutic drug monitoring for the recommended 6 to 12 months of therapy after the final operative debridement. Level of Evidence This is a Level IV, case series study.

Mycobacterium Immunogenum Flexor Tenosynovitis: A Case Report.

Background Nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) flexor tenosynovitis represents a rare but potentially devastating manifestation of upper extremity infection. We present a novel case of NTM flexor tenosynovitis in which Mycobacter iumimmunogenum was found to be the causative agent. Case Description The patient presented with pain and insidiously progressive swelling and required multiple operative interventions and a complex antimicrobial regimen based on susceptibility profiles. Specifically, our patient was managed with three debridements and empiric antimicrobial agents based on inherent macrolide sensitivity, with later conversion to a complex antimicrobial regimen tailored to sensitivity. Literature Review The diagnosis and management of NTM tenosynovitis arechallenging because of low suspicion, nonspecific presentation, and cumbersome laboratory identification techniques. M. immunogenum was only characterized in the past two decades, and, to our knowledge, this is the first reported case of the pathogen causing a musculoskeletal infection. Clinical Relevance We present this case primarily because of the novelty of the organism and to demonstrate the recalcitrant nature of the infection. Due to the extensive resistant patterns of M. immunogenum , management requires complex antimicrobial preparations and almost certainly needs multispecialty collaboration between orthopaedic surgery and infectious diseases.

Ventricular tachycardia with epicardial and pericardial fibrosis 6 months after resolution of subclinical COVID-19: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been shown to have extensive effects on the cardiovascular system. Its long-term cardiac manifestations, however, remain unclear. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of a Caucasian patient with a mild and self-limited presentation of COVID-19, with subsequent development, months later, of exertional dyspnea and non-sustained ventricular tachycardia, long after resolution of his illness and after returning to aerobic exercise. The patient had normal screening tests including electrocardiogram (ECG) and echocardiogram 4 months after his illness. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated epicardial and pericardial fibrosis of the right ventricle free wall and outflow tract and the pericardium over the anterior wall, 6 months following the initial infection. First abnormal ECG was recorded at month 7 following illness. CONCLUSIONS: This case suggests an insidious and possible long-term cardiac involvement and reflects the challenges in traditional workups and screening modalities in identifying cardiac involvement in COVID-19.

Motion and Strength Analysis of 2-Tine Staple and K-Wire Fixation in Scapholunate Ligament Stabilization in a Cadaver Model.

Purpose: Previous studies have demonstrated the benefits of 2- and 4-tine staple fixation in scapholunate interosseous ligament (SLIL) reconstruction, including improved rotational control and avoidance of the articular surface. This study compared scaphoid and lunate kinematics after SLIL fixation with traditional Kirschner wire (K-wire) fixation or 2-tine staple fixation. Methods: Eight fresh frozen cadaver arms with normal scapholunate (SL) intervals were included. Infrared motion capture was used to assess kinematics between the scaphoid and lunate as the wrists were moved through a simulated dart-throw motion. Kinematic data were recorded for each wrist in 4 states: SLIL intact, SLIL sectioned, K-wire fixation across SL interval and scaphocapitate joint, and 2-tine Nitinol staple fixation across SL interval. Strength of the SL staple fixation was evaluated using an axial load machine to assess load to failure of the staple construct. Results: Range of motion of the scaphoid and lunate with SLIL intact and SLIL sectioned were similar. K-wire fixation across the SL interval significantly decreased the overall wrist range of motion as well as scaphoid and lunate motion in all planes except for scaphoid flexion. Conversely, scaphoid and lunate motion after staple fixation was similar to that in normal wrists, except for a significant decrease in scaphoid extension. Under axial load simulating a ground-level fall, 3 of 8 arms demonstrated no failure, and none of the failures was due to direct failure of the 2-tine staple. Conclusions: This study demonstrates 2-tine staple fixation across the SL interval is effective in providing initial stability and maintaining physiologic motion of the scaphoid and lunate compared with K-wire fixation after SLIL injury. Clinical relevance: This study demonstrates an alternate technique for the stabilization of the SL interval in repair of acute SLIL injuries using 2-tine staple fixation, which maintains near physiologic motion of the scaphoid and lunate after SLIL injury.

MRI and Arthroscopic Correlation of the Wrist.

Since its introduction in 1979, the practice of and indications for wrist arthroscopy in the diagnosis and treatment of pathologic conditions in the wrist continues to grow. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is another commonly used tool to noninvasively examine the anatomy and pathology of the wrist joint. Here, we review the normal wrist anatomy as seen arthroscopically and through MRI. We then examine the various common pathologic entities and define both the arthroscopic findings and correlated MRI findings in each of these states.

The Extended Flexor Carpi Radialis Approach for Concurrent Carpal Tunnel Release and Volar Plate Osteosynthesis for Distal Radius Fracture.

PURPOSE: To determine the relative benefits of an extended flexor carpi radialis (FCR) (eFCR) approach with prophylactic carpal tunnel release at the time of volar plate osteosynthesis for distal radius fracture via a single incision into the traditional volar Henry (VH) approach. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort comparison of preoperative and postoperative median nerve function of 27 patients (15 eFCR and 12 VH) with unilateral, isolated distal radius fractures requiring open reduction internal fixation without preoperative acute carpal tunnel syndrome. Patients were operated on via either the eFCR or VH approach. The validated Levine-Katz Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (symptom and functional severity scores) was administered and Semmes-Weinstein monofilament and 2-point discrimination testing were conducted preoperatively and at 6 weeks and 3 months postoperatively. Grip and pinch strength were measured at 6 weeks and 3 months. The groups were comparable in terms of age, sex, and fracture type and displacement. RESULTS: Comparing across groups, there were no statistically significant differences in any outcome measured preoperatively or postoperatively. The eFCR and VH groups demonstrated significant improvement in functional severity scores, symptom severity, and grip strength. The symptom severity score improved to statistical significance at 6 weeks in the eFCR group and at 3 months in the VH group. CONCLUSIONS: In this small comparative study, the eFCR approach was found to be safe and efficacious. There was no increased surgical morbidity, which suggests that this technique can be used safely for all patients undergoing volar plating and not just in cases of concurrent carpal tunnel syndrome. It allows easier retraction of carpal tunnel contents; therefore, it is our preferred approach.

Obesity is associated with increased postoperative complications after operative management of distal humerus fractures.

BACKGROUND: Distal humerus fractures commonly require surgical intervention, including open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) and, more recently in elderly, low-demand individuals, total elbow arthroplasty (TEA). The association of obesity with complications after either of these procedures has not previously been examined. METHODS: A national insurance database was queried for ORIF or TEA for management of a distal humerus fracture using procedural and diagnostic codes. Patients in each operative group were then divided into nonobese and obese cohorts. These cohorts were then queried for postoperative complications within 90 days after the surgical procedure using diagnostic and procedural codes. χ(2) tests were calculated to determine statistical significance, with P < .05 considered significant. RESULTS: A total of 6928 patients who underwent operative management of a distal humerus fracture were identified, including 4215 ORIF and 2713 TEA procedures. The obese ORIF patients had a significantly increased risk of 90-day local (odds ratio [OR], 2.5; P < .0001) and systemic (OR, 5.9; P < .0001) complications. The rates of postoperative infection, venous thromboembolism, and medical complications were significantly higher in the obese ORIF cohort than in nonobese patients. The obese TEA patients had a significantly increased risk of 90-day local (OR, 2.6; P < .0001) and systemic (OR, 4.4; P < .0001) complications. The rates of postoperative infection, venous thromboembolism, and medical complications were higher in the obese TEA cohort than in nonobese patients. CONCLUSIONS: Obesity is associated with significantly higher rates of complications after ORIF and TEA for distal humerus fractures than in nonobese patients.

Osteochondral autograft plug transfer for treatment of osteochondritis dissecans of the capitellum in adolescent athletes.

BACKGROUND: Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the capitellum is a condition most commonly seen in adolescents involved in repetitive overhead sports and can profoundly affect ability to return to play and long-term elbow function. Treatment of large, unstable defects in the elbow with osteochondral autograft plug transfer has not been adequately studied. METHODS: We retrospectively identified 11 teenaged patients with large (>1 cm(2)) capitellar OCD treated with osteochondral autograft plug transfer. Average age at the time of surgery was 14.5 years (range, 13-17 years). Outcome measures obtained included return to play, preoperative and postoperative elbow range of motion, Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH; Institute for Work and Health, Toronto, ON, Canada) by telephone interview, and osseous integration on radiographs. All 11 patients were available for evaluation at an average of 22.7 months (range, 6-49 months) postoperatively. RESULTS: All patients were involved in competitive high school athletics and returned to at least their preinjury level of play. Average return to play was 4.4 months (range 3-7 months). The average final DASH was 1.4 (95% confidence interval, 0.6-2.1), and the average final sport-specific DASH was 1.7 (95% confidence interval -1.8 to 5.2). Elbow range of motion significantly improved, including improvement in flexion from a preoperative average of 126° to a postoperative average of 141° (P = .009) and improvement in extension from a preoperative average of 21° to a postoperative average of 5° (P = .006). CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of large, unstable OCD lesions of the capitellum in adolescent athletes allows reliable return to play, is safe, and has good clinical outcomes at short-term follow-up.

Evaluation and treatment of jersey finger and pulley injuries in athletes.

The flexor tendon system in the finger is complex and can be difficult to treat. Closed injuries to the flexor tendon or pulley system are not uncommon in high-level athletes. Their treatment can be complicated by in-season play, position, and the number of people involved in the patient's care. Injuries can be misdiagnosed as "sprains" or unreported by some athletes at the time of injury. Some of these injuries, especially flexor tendon avulsions, require prompt recognition and appropriate treatment to prevent permanent disability to the hand and finger.

Injury tolerance of the wrist and distal forearm to impact loading onto outstretched hands.

BACKGROUND: The wrist/forearm complex is one of the most commonly fractured body regions, yet the impact tolerance of the wrist is poorly understood. This study sought to quantify the injury tolerance of the adult male forearm-wrist complex under loading simulating axial impact to an outstretched hand. METHODS: Fifteen isolated cadaveric forearm/wrist specimens were tested. Loading was applied via an instrumented drop tower device designed to impact the palmar surface of the hand with the wrist extended to approximately 90 degrees. Impact severity was modulated by adjusting the boundary condition of the elbow. Elbow reaction force and deformation of the specimen (deflection of the palmar surface of the hand toward the elbow) were measured. Bone-implanted strain gauges were used to detect the time of fracture. Injury risk functions were developed using parametric survival analysis with a cumulative Weibull distribution. RESULTS: Of 14 specimens, 10 exhibited a fracture to the wrist or forearm after test (one specimen was excluded from the analysis). Injury severities varied from nondisplaced fractures of the radius to severely displaced fractures and/or fracture-dislocations of the carpal bones. Of the potential predictors studied, the specimen deflection expressed as a percentage of the initial specimen length produced the injury risk model of best fit (50% risk of fracture at 1.69% deflection; 95% confidence interval, 1.38-2.07% deflection). The value of the elbow reaction force corresponding to a 50% risk of injury was 4.34 kN (3.80-4.97 kN). CONCLUSION: These results provide information for the prediction of wrist and forearm injury in biomechanical models simulating impacts in the field and provide tolerance information for the development of injury mitigation countermeasures.

Secondary flexor tendon reconstruction, a review.

As techniques have improved, primary repair of flexor tendon lacerations, including zone II injuries, have become more common. Secondary reconstruction, whether in 1 or 2 stages, remains an important and useful technique for the treatment of these injuries. Current indications and methods, including delayed treatment and 1-stage and 2-stage reconstruction, are reviewed. Future directions of tendon reconstruction are also discussed.