Two‐stage grafting of flexor tendons: results after mobilisation by controlled early active movement

Abstract

We present the results of two‐stage flexor tendon grafting to the hand followed by early active mobilisation. Twenty‐six digits from 22 patients were assessed over a 10‐year period between 1991 and 2001. Using the LaSalle and Strickland assessment for surgical outcome, we found that 20 digits (77%) achieved excellent or good results. Two ruptured (8%) and one developed adhesions (4%). We think that our results are achieved through meticulous attention to surgical technique with the use of mid‐lateral incisions for surgical access, strong bony fixation of the graft that allows a good interface between tendon and distal phalanx, and a closely supervised early active mobilisation regimen after the repair.

• tendon
• graft
• active
• mobilisation