A biomechanical comparison of multistrand flexor tendon repairs using an in situ testing model

Citation
Ka. Barrie et al., A biomechanical comparison of multistrand flexor tendon repairs using an in situ testing model, J HAND S-AM, 25A(3), 2000, pp. 499-506
Citations number
28
Categorie Soggetti
Ortopedics, Rehabilitation & Sport Medicine
Journal title
JOURNAL OF HAND SURGERY-AMERICAN VOLUME
ISSN journal
03635023 → ACNP
Volume
25A
Issue
3
Year of publication
2000
Pages
499 - 506
Database
ISI
SICI code
0363-5023(200005)25A:3<499:ABCOMF>2.0.ZU;2-B
Abstract
An in situ testing model was used to evaluate the performance of zone II fl exor tendon repairs and to compare the biomechanical properties of 4-strand repairs with 2- and 6-strand repairs. Fifty digits from human cadaveric ha nds were mounted in a custom apparatus for in situ tensile testing. Intrate ndinous metallic markers were placed so that gap formation could be determi ned by fluoroscopy during tensile testing. Three 4-strand repairs (the 4-st rand Kessler, the cruciate, and a locked modification of the cruciate repai r) were compared with the 2-strand Kessler and the 6-strand Savage repairs. Ultimate tensile strength, load at 2-, 3-, and 4-mm gap formation, and wor k of flexion were determined. Work of flexion, while increased for the mult istrand repairs, did not show a statistically significant correlation with the number of strands crossing the repair site. The tensile strength of the 6-strand repair was significantly greater than each of the 2 or 4-strand r epairs. The tensile strength of all 4-strand repairs was significantly grea ter than the 2-strand repair. The 6-strand repair and the 2 cruciate repair s demonstrated a statistically increased resistance to gap formation compar ed with the 2-strand Kessler repair, but notably there was no statistically significant difference in gap resistance between the 2- and 4-strand Kessl er repairs. This in situ tensile testing protocol demonstrated that 4- and 6-strand repairs have adequate initial strength to withstand the projected forces of early active motion protocols. Three of the 4 multistrand repairs demonstrated improved gap resistance compared with the 2-strand repair. Th e presence of the second suture in the Kessler configuration significantly increases its strength bur not its gap resistance. (J Hand Surg 2000;25A:49 9-506. Copyright (C) 2000 by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand.) .