title: Longitudinal In Vivo Ultrasound Observations of the Surgically Repaired Zone II Flexor Digitorum Profundus Tendon.
abstract: The link between the healing process and functional outcomes in the surgically repaired digital flexor tendon is poorly understood. This clinical note describes those gray-scale and power Doppler (PD) ultrasound parameters that can be used to document longitudinal change in the morphologic and dynamic properties of the surgically repaired zone II flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) tendon. The method is supported by ultrasound data obtained from three participants at five points in time post-surgically (two, four, six, 12 and 18 weeks). Longitudinal documentation of the ultrasound properties of echogenicity, defect size, tendon excursion and power Doppler signal is feasible and has the potential to explore the possible link between changes in the structural status of surgically repaired flexor tendons and associated clinical outcomes.
authors: Centre for Health, Activity and Rehabilitation Research, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand; Physiotherapy Outpatient Department, Dunedin Hospital, Southern District Health Board, Dunedin, New Zealand. Electronic address: miranda.buhler@southerndhb.govt.nz.
authors: Miranda
authors: M
authors: Bűhler
authors: Centre for Health, Activity and Rehabilitation Research, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
authors: Gillian
authors: G
authors: Johnson
authors: Radiology Department, Dunedin Hospital, Southern District Health Board, Dunedin, New Zealand; Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
authors: Grant
authors: G
authors: Meikle
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005383:Finger Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*; D005385:Fingers / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011184:Postoperative Period; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*; D013710:Tendons / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*; D018608:Ultrasonography, Doppler
keywords: Doppler; Flexor tendon; Tendon injuries; Ultrasonography; Ultrasound