The consistency and reliability of six-strand and four-strand flexor tendon repairs: a comparative porcine cadaveric study

2022 ◽  
pp. 175319342110665
Author(s):  
Jaakko A. E. Kuronen ◽  
Benjamin Riski ◽  
Olli V. Leppänen ◽  
Teemu Karjalainen ◽  
Lasse Linnanmäki
Keyword(s):  
Flexor Tendon ◽  
Testing Machine ◽  
Tendon Repair ◽  
Flexor Digitorum Profundus ◽  
Gap Formation ◽  
Load To Failure ◽  
Level Of Experience ◽  
Flexor Digitorum ◽  
Material Testing Machine ◽  
Technical Reliability

The aim of this study was to compare the consistency and reliability of the six-strand Gan modification of the Lim-Tsai flexor tendon repair with the four-strand Adelaide repair, both with 3-0 sutures and with eight to ten runs of simple 5-0 running peripheral suture as well as the influence of the surgeons’ level of experience on the strength of the repair in a cadaveric animal setup. Thirty-nine surgeons repaired 78 porcine flexor digitorum profundus tendons with either the Adelaide technique (39 tendons) or the modified Lim-Tsai technique (39 tendons). Each repaired tendon was tested in a material testing machine under a single cycle load-to-failure test. The forces were recorded when the gap between the two tendon stumps reached 1 and 2 mm and when irreversible elongation or total rupture occurred. We found no significant differences in gap formation force and yielding strength of the tendons between the two methods. The surgeon’s previous experience in tendon repairs did not improve the consistency, reliability or tensile strength of the repairs. We conclude that if a strong peripheral suture is added, the modified Lim-Tsai repair has the same technical reliability and consistency as the Adelaide repair in term of ultimate loading strength in this test setup.

Simplifying four-strand flexor tendon repair using double-stranded suture: a comparative ex vivo study on tensile strength and bulking

2012 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 101-108 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. H. Low ◽  
T. S. Ahmad ◽  
E. S. Ng
Keyword(s):  
Tensile Strength ◽  
Flexor Tendon ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Tendon Repair ◽  
Flexor Digitorum Profundus ◽  
Flexor Tendon Repair ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Load To Failure ◽  
Fresh Frozen ◽  
Flexor Digitorum

We have compared a simple four-strand flexor tendon repair, the single cross-stitch locked repair using a double-stranded suture (dsSCL) against two other four-strand repairs: the Pennington modified Kessler with double-stranded suture (dsPMK); and the cruciate cross-stitch locked repair with single-stranded suture (Modified Sandow). Thirty fresh frozen cadaveric flexor digitorum profundus tendons were transected and repaired with one of the core repair techniques using identical suture material and reinforced with identical peripheral sutures. Bulking at the repair site and tendon–suture junctions was measured. The tendons were subjected to linear load-to-failure testing. Results showed no significant difference in ultimate tensile strength between the Modified Sandow (36.8 N) and dsSCL (32.6 N) whereas the dsPMK was significantly weaker (26.8 N). There were no significant differences in 2 mm gap force, stiffness or bulk between the three repairs. We concluded that the simpler dsSCL repair is comparable to the modified Sandow repair in tensile strength, stiffness and bulking.

Comparison of Postoperative Early Active Mobilization and Immobilization in Vivo Utilising a Four-Strand Flexor Tendon Repair

2001 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 301-306 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. WADA ◽  
H. KUBOTA ◽  
K. MIYANISHI ◽  
H. HATANAKA ◽  
H. MIURA ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ultimate Strength ◽  
Flexor Tendon ◽  
Testing Machine ◽  
Tendon Repair ◽  
Flexor Digitorum Profundus ◽  
Gap Formation ◽  
Flexor Tendon Repair ◽  
Tensile Testing Machine ◽  
Active Mobilization

We evaluated a technique of four-strand double-modified locking Kessler flexor tendon repair in healing tendons. Seventy-two canine flexor digitorum profundus tendons in Zone 2 were repaired and evaluated following either active mobilization or immobilization at 0, 7, 14, 28 and 42 days after surgery. Fifty-six tendons were examined for gap and ultimate strength using a tensile testing machine and 16 were evaluated with standard hematoxylin and eosin, and Masson’s trichrome staining. All tendons healed without rupture or gap formation of more than 1 mm, thus demonstrating that this repair technique has enough tensile strength to withstand early active mobilization. The gap and ultimate strength of actively mobilized tendons did not decrease significantly during the first 7 days, and were significantly greater than those of immobilized tendons throughout the 42-day study period. Actively mobilized tendons healed without the extrinsic adhesions and large tendon calluses that were found in immobilized tendons.

Reinforcement of the Flexor Tendon Repair Using Human Amniotic Membrane

2016 ◽  
Vol 106 (5) ◽  
pp. 319-322 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yunus Dogramaci ◽  
Ibrahim Gökhan Duman
Keyword(s):  
Amniotic Membrane ◽  
Mechanical Performance ◽  
Testing Machine ◽  
Tendon Repair ◽  
Flexor Digitorum Profundus ◽  
Human Amniotic Membrane ◽  
Load To Failure ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B ◽  
Flexor Digitorum

Background: Human amniotic membrane is used to prevent peritendinous adhesions after tendon injuries. This study compares the mechanical properties of modified Kessler repairs and modified Kessler repairs strengthened using multiple layers of human amniotic membrane. Methods: Twenty flexor digitorum profundus tendons of sheep forelimbs were sutured by the two-strand modified Kessler technique (group A) and by the two-strand modified Kessler repair reinforced with multiple layers of human amniotic membrane (group B). To assess the mechanical performance of the repairs, tendons were subjected to a linear noncyclic load-to-failure test using a material testing machine. Outcome measures included ultimate forces and the mode of failure. Results: The mean ± SD value of the failure strength was 34.6 ± 1.64 N for group A and 50.6 ± 5.60 N for group B. The reinforced repair provided a significantly higher ultimate load compared with the nonreinforced group (P < .001). All of the specimens failed due to suture breakage at the repair site. Conclusions: The results of this study show that the modified Kessler repair can be reinforced effectively with human amniotic membrane.

Repairs of Partial Oblique Tendon Injuries: A Biomechanical Evaluation

2004 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 381-385 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. TAN ◽  
L. MING ◽  
Z.J. JIA ◽  
J.B. TANG
Keyword(s):  
Ultimate Strength ◽  
Cross Section ◽  
Testing Machine ◽  
Transverse Cross Section ◽  
Flexor Digitorum Profundus ◽  
Gap Formation ◽  
Tensile Testing Machine ◽  
Load To Failure ◽  
Biomechanical Evaluation ◽  
Flexor Digitorum

This study evaluated the tensile properties of oblique partial tendon lacerations and the effects of peripheral sutures on their strength. Seventy-four fresh pig flexor digitorum profundus tendons were divided into eight groups and were transected across 90% of their diameter. The lacerations in the tendons of five of the groups were at 0°, 15°, 30°, 45°, and 60° to their transverse cross-section, respectively. In the other three groups the lacerations were 0°, 45°, and 60° to the cross-section and were repaired with running peripheral sutures. The tendons were subjected to load-to-failure tests in a tensile testing machine to determine the initial, 1 and 2 mm gap formation forces, and the ultimate strength. Obliquity of tendon lacerations affected the strength of partially lacerated tendons. The tendons with 45° and 60° oblique lacerations had a significantly lower ultimate strengths than those with transverse (0°), or 15° or 30° oblique lacerations. Running peripheral sutures significantly increased both the gap formation forces and the ultimate strength of the tendons with oblique partial lacerations.

Flexor Tendon Repair Using a Stainless Steel Internal Anchor

1998 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 37-40 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. GORDON ◽  
M. TOLAR ◽  
K. T. VENKATESWARA RAO ◽  
R. O. RITCHIE ◽  
S. RABINOWITZ ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tensile Strength ◽  
Stainless Steel ◽  
Flexor Tendon ◽  
Tendon Repair ◽  
Flexor Digitorum Profundus ◽  
Flexor Tendon Repair ◽  
Active Flexion ◽  
Active Range Of Motion ◽  
Flexor Digitorum

We have developed a stainless steel internal tendon anchor that is used to strengthen a tendon repair. This study tested its use in vitro to produce a repair that can withstand the tensile strength demands of early active flexion. Fresh human cadaver flexor digitorum profundus tendons were harvested, divided, and then repaired using four different techniques: Kessler, Becker or Savage stitches, or the internal tendon anchor. The internal splint repairs demonstrated a 99–270% increase in mean maximal linear tensile strength and a 49–240% increase in mean ultimate tensile strength over the other repairs. It is hoped that this newly developed internal anchor will provide a repair that will be strong enough to allow immediate active range of motion.

Are Flexor Tendon Ruptures Ever Spontaneous? - A Literature Review on Closed Flexor Tendon Ruptures of the Little Finger

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (02) ◽  
pp. 180-188
Author(s):  
Jasmin Shimin Lee ◽  
Duncan Angus McGrouther
Keyword(s):  
Spontaneous Rupture ◽  
Tendon Rupture ◽  
Flexor Tendon ◽  
Tendon Repair ◽  
Flexor Digitorum Profundus ◽  
Pubmed Database ◽  
Tendon Ruptures ◽  
Flexor Digitorum ◽  
Surgical Setting ◽  
Little Finger

Background: When closed ruptures of flexor tendons of fingers occur, there is often an identifiable pathology, which should be addressed in the same surgical setting as the tendon repair. The concept of “spontaneous” tendon rupture, occurring in the absence of identified pathology, however, has also been reported in a significant number of papers. This controversy has prompted us to do a review of the existing literature.Methods: We did a review of cases of closed ruptures of the flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) of the little finger in existing literature. Fifty-three publications were retrieved by searching “FDP tendon rupture” and “little finger” using PubMed database. We analyzed data such as the zone of rupture noted intra-operatively; and any precipitating factors, pathology or trauma. We also conducted a review on papers which discussed the concept of “spontaneous rupture”.Results: Fifty-three publications were retrieved. There were 8 cases of ruptures in Zone I; 2 in Zone II; 30 in Zone III; 59 in Zone IV and 5 in Zone V. Majority of cases were associated with an element of trauma of varying severity, or pathology. A precipitating cause was not documented in 12 cases. Amongst all 36 cases of ruptures labelled as “spontaneous”, only 1 case was truly “spontaneous” without any associated trauma or pathology.Conclusions: Most reports labeled as spontaneous rupture occurred in Zone III, where tendon ruptures are rare. There are documented pathological causes or evidence of trauma to most of these cases. We conclude these ruptures may have been mislabeled as spontaneous ruptures. Bearing in mind the propensity for tendon excursion, we suspect the lack of documentation of exploration in proximal zones contributed to this mislabeling. Understanding this concept of non-spontaneity to most tendon ruptures and the common sites of rupture or pathology is crucial for a surgeon to make strategic incisions and minimize future recurrence.

Biomechanical Evaluation of a Four-Strand Modification of the Tang Method of Tendon Repair

2005 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 374-378 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. CAO ◽  
J. B. TANG
Keyword(s):  
Ultimate Strength ◽  
Testing Machine ◽  
Tendon Repair ◽  
Gap Formation ◽  
Single Cycle ◽  
Tensile Testing Machine ◽  
Load To Failure ◽  
Biomechanical Evaluation ◽  
Finger Motion ◽  
Initial Force

We report a four-strand modification of the Tang technique of tendon repair that uses fewer sutures and fewer knots on the tendon surface. This repair consists of four longitudinal and two horizontal strands that form a “U” configuration within the tendon made with a single looped suture. Thirty-four fresh pig flexor tendons were divided into 3 groups and repaired with the four-strand modified Tang method, a double-looped four-strand method or a double Kessler repair (four-strand). The tendons were subjected to a single cycle of load-to-failure test in a tensile testing machine. The initial force, 2-mm gap formation force and ultimate strength of the four-strand modified Tang repair were statistically identical to those of the double looped suture and were superior to those of the double Kessler repair. Ultimate strength was 43.4 ± 4.3 N for the four-strand modified Tang method, 45.2 ± 4.0 N for the double-looped method and 39.1 ± 4.0 N for the double Kessler repair. The four-strand modification of the Tang method appears to have strength sufficient for protected active finger motion. Given our preliminary clinical experience with this method, we recommend this new and simplified technique for clinical flexor tendon repairs.

Changes in Tendon Strength After Partial Cut and Effects of Running Peripheral Sutures

2003 ◽  
Vol 28 (5) ◽  
pp. 478-482 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. TAN ◽  
B. WANG ◽  
B. TAN ◽  
Y. XU ◽  
J. B. TANG
Keyword(s):  
Tensile Strength ◽  
Tensile Properties ◽  
Ultimate Strength ◽  
The Other ◽  
Flexor Digitorum Profundus ◽  
Gap Formation ◽  
Load To Failure ◽  
Flexor Digitorum ◽  
Lower Tensile Strength

We performed a study to evaluate the tensile properties of partial tendon lacerations and the effects of peripheral sutures on the tendon strength. Seventy-two fresh pig flexor digitorum profundus tendons were divided equally into eight groups. Tendons in four of the groups were subjected to partial lacerations (60%, 70%, 80%, and 90%) and were not repaired. In the other four similar groups partial lacerations were repaired with running peripheral sutures. The tendons were subjected to load-to-failure tests in an Instron tensile machine to determine the initial, 1 mm, 2 mm gap formation forces and the ultimate strength. The tendons with lacerations of 80% and 90% had a remarkably lower tensile strength than those 60% and 70% lacerations. Running peripheral sutures increased the gap formation forces and the ultimate strength of all the tendons, though particularly those with 80% and 90% lacerations.

Primary Flexor Tendon Repair in Zone 1

2000 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 78-84 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. S. MOIEMEN ◽  
D. ELLIOT
Keyword(s):  
Flexor Tendon ◽  
Tendon Repair ◽  
Flexor Digitorum Profundus ◽  
Range Of Movement ◽  
Realistic Assessment ◽  
Distal Interphalangeal ◽  
Active Mobilization ◽  
Flexor Digitorum ◽  
Flexor Digitorum Profundus Tendon ◽  
Distal Tendon

This paper presents an analysis of the results of repair of 102 complete flexor tendon disruptions in zone 1 which were rehabilitated by an early active mobilization technique during a 7 year period from 1992 to 1998. These injuries were subdivided into: distal tendon divisions requiring reinsertion; more proximal tendon divisions but still distal to the A4 pulley; tendon divisions under or just proximal to the A4 pulley; and closed avulsions of the flexor digitorum profundus tendon from the distal phalanx. Assessment by Strickland’s original criteria showed good and excellent results of 64%, 60%, 55% and 67% respectively in the four groups. However, examination of the results measuring the range of movement of the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint alone provided a more realistic assessment of the affect of this injury on DIP joint function, with good and excellent results of only 50%, 46%, 50% and 22% respectively in the four groups.

Results of heterodigital flexor digitorum profundus hemi-tendon transfer for 23 flexor tendon injuries in zones 1 or 2

2017 ◽  
Vol 43 (5) ◽  
pp. 487-493 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aude Bommier ◽  
Duncan McGuire ◽  
Patrick Boyer ◽  
Asan Rafee ◽  
Sami Razali ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tendon Transfer ◽  
Flexor Tendon ◽  
Tendon Repair ◽  
Tendon Injuries ◽  
Flexor Digitorum Profundus ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Active Motion ◽  
Flexor Tendon Injuries ◽  
Flexor Digitorum

We report outcomes of reconstruction of zone 1 or 2 flexor tendon injuries using a heterodigital hemi-tendon transfer of the flexor digitorum profundus in 23 fingers of 23 patients. At mean follow-up of 57 months, the mean total active motion of the three finger joints including the metacarpophalangeal joint was 128 degrees preoperatively and 229 degrees at final follow up. According to Strickland criteria, the function was excellent for 14 fingers, good for seven fingers and poor for two fingers. The subgroup analysis showed that the results were better in cases of primary surgery, children, and for the index and little fingers. Complications included stiffness of three fingers, and rupture in one finger that was converted to a two-stage tendon reconstruction. We conclude that this technique restores good function in most patients with zone 1 and 2 flexor tendon injuries, in which primary tendon repair has not been performed or was unsuccessful, and where pulley reconstruction is not required. Level of evidence: IV

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