New "loop" suture for FDP zone I injuries

Abstract

Introduction: There are many methods describing distal juncture fixation techniques of the injured flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) or flexor tendon graft. We have noted a tendency in the surgical repair of tissues toward the more expensive and technology-dependent methods. New suture type was developed to find better FDP distal juncture suture not indulging into expensive technology-dependent techniques. The positive aspect of the most popular Bunnell pullout technique is eventual removal of the suture. The negative aspect is necessity to use tie over button to secure the end of the tendon in the bone canal and thus externalizing suture. This can be complicated with maceration, decubitus, and infection. In addition, any device secured to the finger nail can be caught by external objects.

Materials and methods: We propose buttonless method of the tendon-to-bone fixation. The only negative aspect is retaining suture. Suture is easy to perform and cheaper than any of the anchor sutures. Twelve patients were included in this preliminary study. Seven patients had acute FDP tendon zone I bone juncture injuries. Five patients had second stage flexor tendon reconstruction with tendon grafts. No infections, ruptures of the FDP or nail growth disturbances were noted. Three patients presented with slight DIP joint flexion contracture. One patient had "mallet" deformity.

Conclusions: Our tendon-to-bone fixation is easy to perform. It is as cheap as standard Bunnell fixation and excludes complications encountered in standard pullout sutures. Although bone suture anchors with modified Becker core suture are superior in tensile strength to 2-stranded sutures, many hand surgeons are limited by the price of the bone anchors and can find our suture more affordable.