title: 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.
authors.affiliation: Hand Surgery Unit, the Restoration of Appearance and Function Trust (R.A.F.T.) Institute For Plastic Surgery Research, Mount Vernon Hospital, Northwood, Middlesex, UK.
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.forename: Addie
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Grobbelaar
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D004434:Early Ambulation; D005260:Female; D005383:Finger Injuries / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D020127:Recovery of Function; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery*; D013710:Tendons / Q000637:transplantation*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials