Practice patterns in flexor tendon repair.

BACKGROUND

There is a considerable volume of literature describing new and supposedly superior methods of flexor tendon repair.

AIM

The purpose of this study was to assess the flexor tendon techniques currently used in the Republic of Ireland.

METHODS

A postal survey was conducted of all consultant plastic surgeons and consultant orthopaedic surgeons who were members of the Irish Hand Surgery Society.

RESULTS

The response rate was 90% (27/30). A simple running peripheral suture was used by 73% (P = 0.03) and the Kessler was the core suture of choice for 68% (P = 0.06). A significant number of respondents use non-absorbable suture materials for core (P = 0.0028) and peripheral suture (P < 0.0001). Seventy-seven percent sutured the flexor sheath where possible (P = 0.009).

CONCLUSIONS

Notwithstanding the proposed advantages of newer techniques, it is evident from this study that the two-stranded Kessler core and simple running peripheral suture remains the most popular flexor tendon repair, with sheath closure preferred by the majority of respondents.