Flexor Tendon Injuries –Repair and Reconstruction-Flexor Tendon Reconstruction

Flexor Tendon Reconstruction

Pdf Summary

Flexor tendon reconstruction has become less common due to successful flexor tendon repair techniques. Flexor tendon grafting is now primarily used in cases where digital flexor tendon lacerations have been neglected or when flexor tendon repair has failed. Advances in tendon repair methods and postoperative rehabilitation have improved the outcomes of flexor tendon grafting. There is ongoing research into tissue engineering and the use of biochemical agents to further improve the results of flexor tendon repair. The diagnosis of tendon transection is typically made through clinical examination and a loss of flexor tendon function. Preoperative assessment is important to determine the nature and location of the tendon laceration, the presence of adhesion formation, pulley rupture, joint contracture, scar formation, and nerve and artery injury. Surgical exposure involves accessing the digital sheath through a midlateral incision. The condition of the tendon sheath and proximal motor tendon determines whether a single-stage or staged tendon grafting procedure is appropriate. In staged tendon grafting, a silicone tendon spacer is placed in the tendon sheath to facilitate later passage of the tendon graft. The donor tendon for grafting is typically the palmaris longus tendon, although other tendons can also be used. The graft is fixated to the distal and proximal ends of the tendon through various methods. Rehabilitation is an essential part of the postoperative care, and the goal is to maintain joint mobility. The outcomes of flexor tendon grafting are generally not as good as primary tendon repair, but improvements in techniques have led to better results. In the future, tissue engineering methods may further improve the outcomes of flexor tendon reconstruction.

Keywords

Flexor tendon reconstruction

Flexor tendon repair

Flexor tendon grafting

Tendon lacerations

Tendon transection

Tissue engineering

Biochemical agents

Preoperative assessment

Surgical exposure

Rehabilitation