Providing quantitative feedback when teaching tendon repair: a new tool.
Flexor tendon repair remains one of the more difficult technical tasks facing the hand surgeon. A good repair must be both strong and able to glide smoothly through the tendon sheath. The purpose of this study is to present a model that allows surgeons to improve their technique of flexor tendon repair by receiving feedback on these important biomechanical parameters. The set-up requires testing equipment found in most biomechanical laboratories and should be available in many academic medical centres. Preliminary data suggest that receiving feedback about the strength and smoothness of a flexor tendon repair may be a very useful tool in helping surgeons improve the overall quality of their tendon repair technique.
Berschback
J C
JC
Biomechanics Laboratory, Division of Orthopedic Research, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
Amadio
P C
PC
Zhao
C
C
Zobitz
M E
ME
An
K N
KN
D013502:General Surgery / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D007721:Knowledge of Results, Psychological; D022125:Lacerations / Q000601:surgery; D013537:Sutures; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods*; D013708:Tendon Injuries; D013710:Tendons / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D013718:Tensile Strength; D014159:Transducers