title: Biomechanical investigation of 'figure of 8' flexor tendon repair techniques.
abstract: This biomechanical study compared the original Al-Qattan repair with other modifications postulated to reduce bulk and friction, thereby potentially improving outcome. A total of 32 cadaveric digits with intact flexor apparatus were used. In each digit, the flexor digitorum profundus and flexor digitorum superficialis tendons were cut cleanly in Zone 2. We tested Al-Qattan's technique along with three modifications using stronger suture material and varying the number of strands across the repair site. Of the four repair techniques, the modified Al-Qattan's technique using two 'figure of 8' 4-0 Fiberwire core sutures (Group 4) had the best balance of ultimate tensile strength (50.9 N), 2 mm gapping force (38 N) and friction. The modified technique provided a stronger repair for early active mobilization and has less friction than the originally described repair.
authors.affiliation: Department of Hand Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore.
authors.forename: A K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Agrawal
authors.affiliation: Biomechanics Laboratory, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore.
authors.forename: I S
authors.initials: IS
authors.lastname: Mat Jais
authors.affiliation: Department of Hand Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore.
authors.forename: E M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Chew
authors.affiliation: Department of Hand Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore.
authors.forename: A K T
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Yam
authors.affiliation: Department of Hand Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore Biomechanics Laboratory, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore tay.shian.chao@sgh.com.sg.
authors.forename: S C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Tay
mesh_terms: D002102:Cadaver; D005383:Finger Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D017276:Friction; D006801:Humans; D011126:Polypropylenes; D013536:Suture Techniques; D013537:Sutures; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D013718:Tensile Strength
chemical_list: D011126:Polypropylenes
keywords: Al-Qattan; biomechanical test; figure of 8; tendon repair