Medium-term clinical outcomes of Zone 2B/2C finger flexor tendon repairs: influence of management of flexor digitorum superficialis

Abstract

The aim of our study was to compare the medium-term clinical and functional outcomes of early repair of a complete Zone 2B or 2C transection of the flexor digitorum profundus tendon associated with either the repair of the two slips of the flexor digitorum superficialis tendon, only one slip repaired (the other slip was resected) or no slips repaired (both slips were resected). The outcomes of these three repair techniques were compared based on the total active motion, residual flexion deformity of the proximal interphalangeal joint, Strickland’s formula and Tang classification, Disability of Arm Shoulder and Hand score and complications. The study reviewed 61 fingers (51 patients) at a mean follow-up of 89.5 months. There was no significant difference in finger mobility comparing the three techniques for management of flexor digitorum superficialis. All but one patient returned to work and the DASH score (mean 6.9) suggests that function does not appear to be greatly affected. Level of evidence III