The optimum length of the Silfverskiöld circumferential cross stitch.
Three groups of six porcine deep flexor tendons were repaired with a locking loop modified Kessler core suture using 4-0 braided polyester. Silfverskiöld repairs were performed using 6-0 monofilament nylon taking bites 2, 4 and 6 mm from the cut end of the tendon. The repairs were tested to failure and record made of bulking, mode of failure, force to produce a 3 mm gap and the ultimate strength. Data were analysed using one-way ANOVA, with analysis of mode of failure using the Chi-squared test. The 4 mm repairs were significantly stronger than the 2 mm for all parameters but there was no difference between the 4 mm and 6 mm repairs. We feel that optimal repair strength is provided using bites 4 mm from the cut tendon ends. Taking bites further from the cut end has no significant benefits and carries the theoretical risk of increasing the work of flexion.
Hirpara
K M
KM
Department of Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery, Galway Regional Hospitals, Galway, Ireland. kie_hirpara@hotmail.com
Sullivan
P J
PJ
O'Neill
B
B
O'Sullivan
M
M
D000818:Animals; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D005552:Forelimb; D009757:Nylons; D013536:Suture Techniques; D013537:Sutures; D013552:Swine; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D013718:Tensile Strength; D046509:Tissue Culture Techniques; D016474:Weight-Bearing
D009757:Nylons