Factors influencing the management of the flexor tendon injuries in the hand

Abstract EN

Thirty-three patients with flexor tendon injuries in 68 fingers were studied.

They were 78.8 % males 21.2 % females.

Age was range between 16-45 years.

Patients were assigned into two zone groups; zone II & V.

Twenty six fingers (38.2 %) were in zone II, and 42 (61.8 %) were in zone V.

Primary repair was done in 42.6 % and delayed in 57.4 %.

Both tendons (FDS* & FDP**) were repaired in 43 fingers, isolated FDP were repaired in 25 fingers.

Postoperatively, only 31 fingers were managed with early active extension / passive flexion technique.

The final results were evaluated by Louisville criteria and were Satisfactory (excellent and good) in 41 fingers (60.4 %).

The results were correlated to the involved zones, timing of the repair, type of the repair and the post-operative management program.

It is concluded from this study that it is preferable to repair both tendons if possible by delayed primary repair with early mobilization when a trained surgeon and surgical resources are available.