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Flexor Tendon Injuries of the Hand (Updated May 2004)


Introduction


Successful treatment of flexor tendon injuries remains one of the most difficult problems in hand surgery. While these injuries have historically been associated with significant hand impairment, the development of new treatment methods has greatly improved patient outcomes. Still, it is often difficult to solve the paradox of the necessity of tendon healing while also maintaining free soft tissue gliding. Current investigations continue to explore strategies that allow differential soft tissue incorporation in the clinical setting. The purpose of this chapter is to review the anatomy of the flexor tendon apparatus, the physiology of tendon repair, techniques currently used to suture flexor tendons, and modern aftercare regimens.