The results of immediate re-repair of zone 1 and 2 primary flexor tendon repairs which rupture

Dowd, M. B.;Figus, A.

Writing – Original Draft Preparation

;Harris, S. B.;Southgate, C. M.;Foster, A. J.;Elliot, D.

2006-01-01

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Abstract

This study reports the outcome of immediate re-repair of primary flexor tendon repairs in zones 1 and 2 of the fingers which had ruptured. Between June 1989 and May 2003, a total of 62 fingers in 61 patients presented with ruptured flexor tendon repairs within 48 hours from rupture. Immediate re-repair and rehabilitation was carried out in 44 fingers (71%) in 43 (70%) patients. Thirty-six patients completed the 8-week therapy programme after re-repair in 37 fingers. Nine (24%) had excellent, 10 (27%) good, 5 (14%) fair and 13 (35%) had poor results when assessed by the original Strickland method. Five fingers in five patients ruptured the re-repair. Poor results and second ruptures were particularly common after re-repair of ruptured tendon repairs in the little finger. In the light of these findings, a policy for dealing with ruptured primary flexor tendon repairs in the fingers is suggested. © 2006 The British Society for Surgery of the Hand.