Clinical application of M-Tang tendon suture technique in repairing flexor digitorum profundus tendon in zone II and analysis of influencing factors

Abstract

Objective To analyze the clinical efficacy of M-Tang tendon suture technique for repair of flexor digitorum profundus tendon in zone Ⅱ. Methods From November 2013 to December 2016, 77 patients (96 fingers) with rupture of flexor digitorum profundus tendon in zone Ⅱ were treated with M-Tang tendon suture technique. The protective active and passive functional exercises were performed early after the operation. The range of active motion of the affected finger was followed up and measured. The function of the affected finger was evaluated by Strickland and Glogovac criteria. The influencing factors such as age, gender, A2 pulley treatment, concomitant injury, follow-up time and time from injury to operation were analyzed statistically. Results Nineteen cases were lost, while 58 cases (70 fingers) were follow-up for 4 to 27 months, with an average of 16 months. Among the 70 fingers, the results were rated as excellent in 43 fingers, good in 13 fingers, fair in 10 fingers and poor in 4 fingers. The excellent and good rate was 80%. No finger tendon rupture occurred. Among the patients, male patients younger than 37 years old had better functional recovery after partial opening of A2 pulley (P<0.05). Conclusion M-Tang tendon suture technique is a simple, safe and effective method for repairing flexor digitorum profundus tendon in zone Ⅱ. It can meet the needs of early protective and active tendon movement. The age, gender and A2 pulley incision have significant influences on the treatment outcome. Key words: Tendon injuries; Treatment outcome; M-Tang technique; Flexor digitorum profundus tendon