Primary Flexor Tendon Repair with Early Active Motion: Experience in Europe

Abstract

The protocol for primary flexor tendon repair in zones 1 and 2 of the hand is changing. This article discusses recent changes. Immediate repair within 48 hours is performed whenever possible. A 6-strand core suture is performed using the M modification of Tang's technique. The pulleys are divided to allow free excursion of the repaired tendon within the tendon sheath. To avoid repaired structures within the sheath being too bulky, the authors generally repair only half of the flexor digitorum superficialis. In some cases, the flexor digitorum superficialis is excised completely. Rehabilitation remains based on controlled active motion.

Keywords: Early active motion; FDS resection; No circumferential suture; Primary flexor tendon repair; Pulley management.