Purpose
Multiple techniques are described for repair of zone I flexor tendon injuries, many
of which are fraught with complications. This study evaluated the clinical complications
after a transosseous repair technique.
Methods
A retrospective review of a single institutional database identified all zone I flexor
digitorum profundus (FDP) injuries repaired using a transosseous technique. In this
technique, 2 nonabsorbable sutures were passed from volar to dorsal through transosseous
tunnels and tied dorsally over the distal phalanx proximal to the germinal matrix.
Demographics, injury characteristics, operative details, and complications were reviewed.
Results
Eight patients met the inclusion criteria. Average age was 31 years (range, 15–66
years) and all patients were male. Eight fingers were included: ring (4), small (3),
and middle (1). Seven injuries were closed and one was open. Average time between
injury and surgery was 13 days (range, 4–34 days). Five patients experienced complications,
including osteomyelitis, chronic draining granuloma, and abnormal nail growth. Three
patients required an additional operative procedure for management of complications.
Conclusions
Transosseous repair of zone I flexor digitorum profundus injuries with a buried dorsal
suture is associated with a high rate of clinical complications.
Type of study/level of evidence
Therapeutic V.
Key words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: July 25, 2020
Accepted:
May 25,
2020
Received:
May 7,
2019
Footnotes
No benefits in any form have been received or will be received related directly or indirectly to the subject of this article.
Identification
Copyright
© 2020 by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand. All rights reserved.
