BIOMECHANICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF SUTURE TECHNIQUES IN EXTENSOR ZONE-IV

This study was designed to investigate several biomechanical parameter s involved in repair of extensor tendons in Zone IV (over the proximal phalanx). Typical suture techniques over the proximal phalanx did not shorten the tendon significantly nor was there significant loss of fl exion at the metacarpophalangeal or proximal interphalangeal joints. T he Kleinert modification of the Bunnell technique and modified Kessler technique seemed to be the strongest and provided evidence that dynam ic or active range of motion, under controlled conditions and in short arcs, might be physiologically tolerated by repaired tendons.