Purpose
Pulvertaft tendon repair is a strong suture technique; however, proper tendon tension
is impaired by repair site elongation. Therefore, methods to reduce postoperative
elongation are warranted. This study aimed to determine the effects of additional
core sutures during Pulvertaft tendon repair on repair site elongation and rupture
strength.
Methods
A total of 48 finger extensor tendons were harvested from fresh-frozen cadavers, and
tendons with similar diameters were paired. The 24 pairs of tendons were divided into
the following 4 groups: group I, 3 interlaced weaves only; group II, 3 interlaced
weaves and 2 core suture strands with 4-0 nylon; group III, 3 interlaced weaves and
2 core suture strands with 4-0 FiberWire; and group IV, 4 interlaced weaves only.
Each sutured tendon was placed in a Universal Testing Machine, and repair site elongation
after repeated traction loads and rupture strength were measured.
Results
The mean elongation values were 2.74 ± 0.84 mm, 1.80 ± 0.16 mm, 1.60 ± 0.18 mm, and
1.92 ± 0.18 mm for groups I, II, III, and IV, respectively. The elongation values
were significantly lower in groups II, III, and IV than in group I. The mean rupture
strengths were 64.9 ± 16.0 N, 94.8 ± 17.2 N, 110.9 ± 21.3 N, and 104.9 ± 17.5 N for
groups I, II, III, and IV, respectively. Rupture strengths were significantly higher
for groups III and IV than for group I.
Conclusions
After adding core sutures during Pulvertaft tendon repair, the elongation amount decreased,
and the rupture strength improved.
Clinical relevance
The study showed the effect of additional core sutures during Pulvertaft tendon repair,
suggesting that it could be useful in reducing postoperative tendon elongation when
extensor tendon transfers are performed.
Key words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: September 26, 2022
Accepted:
August 5,
2022
Received:
January 27,
2022
Publication stage
In Press Corrected ProofFootnotes
No benefits in any form have been received or will be received related directly or indirectly to the subject of this article.
Identification
Copyright
© 2022 by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand. All rights reserved.
