A comparison of four repair techniques for Champer's chiasma flexor digitorium superficialis laceuations: Tested in an in vitro model

The relative strengths of 4 methods for repair of the flexor digitorum supe rficialis tendon were examined in 14 fresh-frozen cadaver hands (40 tendons ). All tendons underwent sharp zone II transection at Camper's chiasma. All transections were repaired with 4.0 Ethibond (Ethicon Inc, Sommerville, NJ ) using modified Becker, modified Kessler, horizontal mattress, or simple s utures. Flexion of the repaired digit at a constant excursion rate was rend ered up to tendon rupture. The modified Becker technique withstood breaking forces (57.9 N) significantly greater than the other techniques examined. Forces up to 34 N have been measured in vivo during unresisted active finge r motion. Thus, the modified Becker technique appears to provide adequate s trength for early active flexor digitorum superficialis motion. Copyright ( C) 2000 by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand.