Comparison of three different peripheral suturing techniques for partial flexor tendon lacerations: a controlled in-vitro biomechanical study.

Surgical repair is advocated for partial flexor tendon lacerations deeper than 70%. We compared gliding resistance with three different peripheral repairs in partial flexor tendon lacerations. Thirty flexor tendons and A2 pulleys were harvested from turkey toes. Gliding resistance was measured for all intact tendons. The tendons were then lacerated to 50% and repaired with a modified Kessler core suture and either a Silfverskiold or Halsted repair or a simple running suture and gliding resistance was measured. Compared to the intact tendon, the increase in gliding resistance after surgical repair was 100% with the Halsted repair, 80% with the Silfverskiold repair and 60% with a running suture (p = 0.05). In conclusion, a simple running suture caused less resistance to gliding compared to the other techniques when repairing partial flexor tendon lacerations and we recommend its use when surgical repair is needed.