Extensor Tendon Injuries –Repair, Reconstruction, and Rehabilitation-A Biomechanical Study of Extensor Tendon Repair Methods: Introduction to the Running-Interlocking Horizontal Mattress Extensor Te

A Biomechanical Study of Extensor Tendon Repair Methods: Introduction to the Running-Interlocking Horizontal Mattress Extensor Te

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The purpose of this study was to investigate the properties of the running-interlocking horizontal mattress repair method for extensor tendons compared to other repair methods. The study used 24 extensor tendons from 8 cadaveric hands, which were randomly assigned to one of three repair groups: augmented Becker, modified Bunnell, and running-interlocking horizontal mattress. The running-interlocking horizontal mattress repair method combines a running suture with an interlocking horizontal mattress suture. Each repaired tendon was measured for length before and after repair and tested for stiffness, ultimate load to failure, and time required to perform the repair. <br /><br />The results showed that the running-interlocking horizontal mattress repair was significantly stiffer and resulted in less shortening compared to the augmented Becker and modified Bunnell repairs. The running-interlocking horizontal mattress repair also took less time to perform without a significant difference in ultimate load to failure. <br /><br />The running-interlocking horizontal mattress repair method may be strong enough to withstand some early motion and could be beneficial for patients enrolled in early motion rehabilitation protocols. However, it may not withstand resistive exercises immediately postoperatively. The study concluded that the running-interlocking horizontal mattress repair is significantly stiffer and faster to perform than the augmented Becker and modified Bunnell repairs, and it results in less shortening than these methods.

Keywords

running-interlocking horizontal mattress repair method

extensor tendons

repair methods

augmented Becker

modified Bunnell

running suture

interlocking horizontal mattress suture

stiffness

shortening

ultimate load to failure