Comparative Study in Primary Repair of Flexor Tendon Injuries Between Two Strands Tendon Repair and Four Strands Tendon Repair

Abstract

Introduction: In this study, we compared the functionaloutcome of repair of cut flexor tendons using modified Kesslertechnique versus the four stands technique.Patients and Methods: Thirty Two adult patients withforty one severed flexor tendon underwent primary tendonrepair. In group A, we used two strands repair technique andin group B we used four strand repair technique. We usedearly controlled physiotherapy rehabilitation protocols forboth groups.Results: Regarding total active range of motion and DASHscore, there were no statistically significant differences betweenthe outcomes of these two groups. Tendon rupture occurredin one case in group A.Discussion: Primary tendon repair is the optimum treatmentfor cut flexor tendons. However, several repair techniquesand rehabilitation protocols exist. In vitro tests concluded thatthe more the strands that cross the repair site, the stronger therepair but in vivo studies did not reflect such benefits exceptthe four strands technique.Conclusion: We were not able to identify any statisticallysignificant differences in total active motion and DASH scoresbetween two and four strands repair techniques. However,the results of four strands technique were more favorable.