BIOMECHANICS OF A NEW TECHNIQUE FOR FLEXOR TENDON TENORRAPHY OF THE HAND

Abstract

\n \n \n The present study compares ultimate tensile strength, gap strength (2, 4, 6\u2009mm), distortion time and breaking time in a new flexor tendon suture, to a conventional technique.\n \n \n \n The flexor digitorum profundus tendons of 40 porcine forelimbs were repaired. The biomechanical analysis was carried out in a universal testing machine applying a constant speed. Tenotomy gap, the force applied and the rupture point were analysed.\n \n \n \n The ultimate tensile strength, and 4 and 6\u2009mm gap strength were significantly higher with the new technique compared with the conventional 4-strand cruciate technique.\n \n \n \n The new technique is a higher provider of repair strength during early active mobilization when compared with the conventional 4-strand cruciate technique. These findings suggest that this new suture can be considered a biomechanically favourable technique for the repair of flexor tendon lacerations.\n