Abstract

Introduction : Flexor tendon injuries are important and surgically problematic injuries. Despite universally accepted repair techniques being used, several variables can affect the success of tendon repair. Although it is not very common, patients have to be operated again after ruptures, which increases morbidity.

Material methods : 73 patients who had primary tendon repairs after flexor tendon injuries were included in the presented study. Gender, age group (pediatric and adult group), identity (native or foreigner), the repaired tendons, the zone of the tendon, the time period between the trauma and the repair surgery were noted.

Results : A total of 211 flexor tendons were repaired 72 of the patients were in delayed primary repair period. Patients’ ages ranged between 2 and 61 years. The Follow-up period ranged between 6 and 9 months. 5.5% of the patients were re-operated on as a result of tendon ruptures (n=4). The median ages for rupture and non-rupture groups were 19,5 and 25, respectively (p=0.815). There was no difference amongst the pediatric and the adult groups (p=0,283). The mean time interval for repair surgery was 7,13 ±6,96 days without correlation between rupture and non-rupture groups (p=0,496). All tendon-rupture patients were males (p=0,567). 63% of the patients had multiple tendon lacerations and rupture rate was 4,3% (p=0,623). 67% of the patients had co-existing nerve injuries (n=1,00). 83% were Turkish nationals and there was no significant effect of the ethnicity on the tendon ruptures.

Conclusion : Flexor tendons can safely be repaired in the delayed primary period when universally accepted surgical techniques are used.

Key words: delayed primary period, flexor tendon, Rupture