In: Journal of Hand Surgery (European Volume), 47 (2022), Nr. 1. pp. 31-39. ISSN 1753-1934 (Druck-Ausg.), 2043-6289 (Online-Ausg.)

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Abstract

The current clinical methods of flexor tendon repair are remarkably different from those used 20 years ago. This article starts with a review of the current methods, followed by presentation of past experience and current status of six eminent hand surgery units from four continents/regions. Many units are using, or are moving toward using, the recent strong (multi-strand) core suture method together with a simpler peripheral suture. Venting of the critical pulleys over less than 2 cm length is safe and favours functional recovery. These repair and recent motion protocols lead to remarkably more reliable repairs, with over 80% good or excellent outcomes achieved rather consistently after Zone 2 repair along with infrequent need of tenolysis. Despite slight variations in repair methods, they all consider general principles and should be followed. Outcomes of Zone 2 repairs are not dissimilar to those in other zones with very low to zero incidence of rupture.