A comparative analysis of the outcome of flexor tendon repair in the index and little fingers: does the little finger fare worse?

Abstract

The clinical and hand therapy notes of 180 patients who had single digit flexor tendon repairs in zones I and II from January 2000 to December 2004 were reviewed. Data from 60 index and 108 little fingers at 5 weeks, 8 weeks and 12 weeks follow-up visits were included. In zone I injuries, there was a statistically significant difference in flexion contracture (worse in the little fingers ) at all follow-up points. Although the range of motion and percentage of patients in the excellent category of the Strickland and Glogovac criteria were greater in the index finger group than the little finger for zone I and II injuries, these differences were not statistically significant. The rupture rate was also higher in the little finger group.