Risk factors for reoperation after flexor tendon repair: a registry study

Abstract

The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for reoperations after Zones 1 and 2 flexor tendon repairs. A multiple logistic regression model was used to identify risk factors from data collected via the Swedish national health care registry for hand surgery (HAKIR). The studied potential risk factors were age and gender, socio-economics and surgical techniques. Included were 1372 patients with injuries to 1585 fingers and follow-up of at least 12 months (median 37 IQR 27–56). Tendon ruptures occurred in 80 fingers and tenolysis was required in 76 fingers. Variables that affected the risk of rupture were age >25 years ( p < 0.001), flexor pollicis longus tendon injuries ( p < 0.001) and being male ( p = 0.004). Injury to both finger flexors had an effect on both rupture ( p = 0.005) and tenolysis ( p < 0.001). Understanding the risk factors may provide important guidance both to surgeons and therapists when treating patients with flexor tendon injuries. Level of evidence: III.