Flexor tendon repair, rehabilitation, and reconstruction.

Abstract

Flexor tendon injury is a common problem that plastic surgeons are called on to treat. Despite their common nature, they present a challenge, not necessarily in the surgical treatment per se but in the ability to achieve a "normal" finger as the end result. Because of the difficulty in attaining good outcomes, much continues to be studied and written about flexor tendon injury. The current literature on flexor tendon repair, rehabilitation, and reconstruction is reviewed. Aspects reviewed include type of anesthesia, suture material and configuration, repairs in the different flexor tendon zones, types of tendon rehabilitation, complications of flexor tendon surgery, and flexor tendon reconstruction. This review provides an update on the current standards in the treatment of flexor tendon injury.