Abstract
The relative strengths of 4 methods for repair of the flexor digitorum superficialis
tendon were examined in 14 fresh-frozen cadaver hands (40 tendons). All tendons underwent
sharp zone II transection at Camper's chiasma. All transections were repaired with
4.0 Ethibond (Ethicon Inc, Sommerville, NJ) using modified Becker, modified Kessler,
horizontal mattress, or simple sutures. Flexion of the repaired digit at a constant
excursion rate was rendered up to tendon rupture. The modified Becker technique withstood
breaking forces (57.9 N) significantly greater than the other techniques examined.
Forces up to 34 N have been measured in vivo during unresisted active finger motion. Thus, the modified Becker technique appears
to provide adequate strength for early active flexor digitorum superficialis motion.
(J Hand Surg 2000;25A:1122-1126. Copyright © 2000 by the American Society for Surgery
of the Hand.)
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References
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
July 13,
2000
Received:
October 22,
1998
Footnotes
*No benefits in any form have been received or will be received from a commercial party related directly or indirectly to the subject of this article.
**Reprint requests: Daniel P. Mass, MD, Department of Surgery, Section of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Chicago Hospitals, 5841 S Maryland Ave MC-3079, Chicago, IL 60637.
Identification
Copyright
© 2000 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
