Flexor Tendon Injuries in the Pediatric Population.

Abstract

Flexor tendon injuries are rare in children, posing specific diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. This study aims to describe epidemiologic characteristics of flexor tendon injuries in children and evaluate the outcomes of surgical treatment. We conducted a retrospective study of patients with acute traumatic flexor tendon injuries treated between 2012 and 2019. We analyzed demographics, lesion mechanism, surgical technique, clinical results, complications, and secondary surgical procedures. Functional results were assessed through the Total Active Mobilization score. Twenty patients were included (n=34 tendons), with median follow-up of 7 months (range, 3-34 months) and median age at time of surgery of 13 years (range, 1-17 years). Male sex was predominant (n=16). The most prevalent injury mechanism was a cut (n=17), mostly affecting the 4th digit (n=10) and Verdan's zone II (n=13). Modified Kessler was the suture technique most commonly used (n=31), and polypropylene was the preferred suture material (n=19). All patients were immobilized with a splint for a median time of 4 weeks (range, 1-7 weeks). According to the Total Active Mobilization score, 15 patients reached a score greater than 75%, independently of age (P>.05). Stiffness was the main complication observed. Complications were identified in 37% of patients and were most common in those older than age 10 years (P>.05) and those with zone II lesions (P>.05). Four patients (20%) needed a second surgical intervention. Flexor tendon injuries in children are relatively uncommon and prevail in the male sex, similarly to the adult population. The principal complication observed was stiffness, which was more prevalent in children older than age 10 years, although without relevant functional implications, as surgical treatment enabled good or excellent outcomes in 75% of patients. [Orthopedics. 2023;46(2):82-85.].