title: Endoscopic retrieval of severed flexor tendons: a study of technique using cadaveric hands.
abstract: Retrieval of retracted zone 1, 2, and 3 flexor tendons without a proximal incision can occasionally lead to excessive tendon trauma or injury to neurovascular structures. To determine if endoscopic flexor tendon retrieval is a reliable, reproducible technique, 34 zone 2 flexor tendon lacerations were created in four cadaveric hands (2 male; 2 female). The tendons were retracted proximally an average of 4.3 +/- 1.9 cm (range, 2-10 cm) through a separate transverse wrist incision. A 2.5-mm flexible endoscope was introduced into the distal tendon sheath, and all transected tendons (N = 34) were clearly visualized. Thirty-two tendons (94%) were retrieved endoscopically by using either a loop snare or grasping forceps. Two tendons (6%) in a small female hand could not be retrieved endoscopically. This minimally invasive technique may be an alternative to the blind grasping maneuvers, proximal incision extensions, and counter-incisions in the palm.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, UK Chandler Medical Center, Lexington, KY, USA.
authors.forename: B B
authors.initials: BB
authors.lastname: Hill
authors.forename: M D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Wells
authors.forename: C D
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Prevel
mesh_terms: D002102:Cadaver; D019723:Endoscopes; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006230:Hand Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013708:Tendon Injuries; D013710:Tendons / Q000601:surgery*