Pediatric flexor tendon injuries.

Abstract

Flexor tendon injuries in children differ from adults in their diagnosis and postoperative rehabilitation principles. The child may be uncooperative, so indirect methods of tendon integrity must be used for diagnosis. Radiographs may be useful for associated fracture or retained foreign bodies. A high index of suspicion necessitates surgical exploration. Although surgical approach and repair techniques are identical to those in adults, postoperative immobilization for 3-4 weeks is used instead of an early motion protocol. Delayed diagnosis is more common in the pediatric population, and recognition and management of postoperative complications can be difficult,because the child may be unable to cooperate or comply with the treatment.