Barbwire Tendon Suture

Abstract

Early experiences with the barb wire tendon suture have proved it to be simple and easy to use. This suture, as previously described, seems ideal for applying the basic principles of tendon surgery. Further experiences with this technique indicate that this suture will continue to be a useful supplement for the treatment of severed flexor tendons. The purpose of this paper is to present results encountered and impressions derived from the repair of 30 consecutive freshly severed flexor tendons. The results are graded as good, fair, and poor by criteria previously expressed.* TECHNIQUE The routine preparation of the patient, as pointed out by Bunnell 3 and others, was followed. The freshly severed tendons were sutured as soon as possible in the operating room under sterile conditions. Brachial block or a general anesthetic was used. An avascular field was secured by pneumatic tourniquet. Sharp technique was used and all basic principles