title: Clinical Results of Flexor Tendon Repair in Zone II Using a six Strand Double Loop Technique.
abstract: The purpose of this study is to report the clinical results after repair of flexor tendon zone II injuries utilizing a 6-strand double-loop technique and early post-operative active rehabilitation. We retrospectively reviewed 22 patients involving 51 cases with zone II flexor tendon repair using a six strand double loop technique from September 1996 to December 2012. Most common mechanism of injuries was sharp lacerations (86.5 %). Tendon injuries occurred equally in manual and non-manual workers and were work-related in 33 % of the cases. The Strickland score for active range of motion (ROM) postoperatively was excellent and good in the majority of the cases (81 %). The rupture rate was 1.9 %. The six strand double loop technique for Zone II flexor tendon repair leads to good and excellent motion in the majority of patients and low re- rupture rate. It is clinically effective and allows for early postoperative active rehabilitation.
authors.affiliation: Christine M. Kleinert Institute for Hand & Microsurgery, 225 Abraham Flexner Way, Suite 800, Louisville, KY 40202 USA.
authors.forename: Christiana
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Savvidou
authors.affiliation: Christine M. Kleinert Institute for Hand & Microsurgery, 225 Abraham Flexner Way, Suite 800, Louisville, KY 40202 USA.
authors.forename: Tsu-Min
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Tsai
keywords: Early active rehabilitation; Six strand technique; Zone II flexor tendon