Treatment of partial tendon lacerations

Abstract

We treated twenty six patients with thirty four partial tendon lacerations by not suturing the tendons and by early mobilization of the digit. These partial tendon lacerations varied from 25 to 95 per cent of the cross sectional area. The mean and median cross-sectional area lacerated was 60 per cent. Twenty three of these patients obtained excellent function, one patient obtained good to excellent function and one patient obtained fair function. One patient was lost to follow-up. No tendon ruptured but one patient did develop trigger finger which spontaneously resolved. Partial flexor tendon lacerations should not be repaired and early active motion should be used if bevelling of the laceration is not present. Bevelled partial tendon lacerations of less than twenty five per cent of the cross sectional area can be either excised or repaired with a simple interrupted suture. If greater than twenty five per cent of the cross-sectional area is lacerated and bevelled, the laceration should be repaired with a few simple sutures. Regardless of the treatment of the tendon early active motion is necessary.