Flexor Tendon Repair in Zone II Augmented With an Externalized Detensioning Suture: Protected Flexor Tendon Repair.

Flexor tendon repair in zone II benefits from early finger motion to prevent stiffness. This article presents a technique that serves to augment a zone II flexor tendon repair with an externalized detensioning suture that can be used following any commonly employed repair method. This simple technique enables early active motion and is suited for patients who are less likely to be compliant after surgery or when the soft-tissue injury to the finger and hand is substantial. Although this technique substantially strengthens the repair, a possible drawback is that the tendon excursion distal to the repair is limited until the externalized suture is removed, which may lead to less motion of the distal interphalangeal than what may have occurred without the detensioning suture.

Autonomous Patient-Controlled Mobilization Protocol After Flexor Tendon Repair: A Case Series.

BACKGROUND: Despite many publications on rehabilitation after repair of flexor tendon injuries of the hand, there is no consensus as to which method is superior. It is clear that nonadherence to postoperative therapy adversely affects the outcome after flexor tendon surgery. In the context of a developing country, the most important factor associated with poor outcome is late onset of rehabilitation therapy. An autonomous rehabilitation program is proposed, with the use of a low-cost splint and based on an online illustrative video with the expectation to improve adherence and patient compliance, thus ensuring satisfactory outcome. METHODS: Twenty-two consecutive digits of 14 patients after flexor tendon repair in zone II were included. Autonomous early passive mobilization physical therapy and splinting started shortly after surgery, supported by an online available video depicting prescribed exercises; follow-up was continued until postoperative week 20. Patients were evaluated regarding range of motion, grip strength, and the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) disability scale. RESULTS: Range of motion after 20 weeks according to the scoring system of the American Society of Surgery of Hand was excellent in 4, good in 11, and fair in 4 fingers. The mean total active motion score was 86% (95% confidence interval, 78%-93%). The mean grip strength at final follow-up was 86% of the contralateral hand. The mean QuickDASH score was 12.5 (2.3-31.8). CONCLUSION: This protocol achieves good results in range of motion and early return of function of the hand. We propose this simple, nonexpensive method to developing countries with less than optimal availability of health care.