title: Predictors of outcome after primary flexor tendon repair in zone 1, 2 and 3.
abstract: We retrospectively reviewed the outcomes of flexor tendon repairs in zones 1, 2 and 3 in 356 fingers in 291 patients between 2005 and 2010. The mean (standard deviation) active ranges of motion of two interphalangeal joints of the fingers were 98° (40) and 114° (45) at 8 weeks postoperatively and at the last follow-up (mean 7 months, range 3-98), respectively. Using the Strickland criteria, 'excellent' or 'good' function was obtained in 95 (30%) out of 322 fingers at 8 weeks and 107 (48%) out of 225 fingers at the last follow-up. A total of 48 (13%) fingers required reoperation because of rupture, adhesion, contracture or other complications. The prevalence of rupture was 4%. We carried out multiple linear regression analysis to identify the predictors of the active digital motion. The following variables were found as negative predictors: age; smoking; injury localization between subzones 1C and 2C; injury to the little finger; the extent of soft tissue damage; concomitant skeletal injury; delay to surgery; use of a 2-strand Kessler repair technique; attempted suture or preservation of the tendon sheath-pulley system; and resecting or leaving the concomitant superficial flexor tendon cuts untreated. Analysing the 8 weeks results of tendon repairs in zones 1 and 2, early active mobilization was found to be superior to Kleinert's regime.
  
  
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authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Østfold Hospital, Moss, Norway Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway is-rig@online.no.
authors.forename: I Z
authors.initials: IZ
authors.lastname: Rigo
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Røkkum
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005383:Finger Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D005384:Finger Joint / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012086:Reoperation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013536:Suture Techniques; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Flexor tendon suture; outcome; predictors of function; reoperations