[Flexor tendon injuries in childhood].

Follow-up examinations were performed on 41 children with 51 flexor tendon injuries of the hand. Eighty per cent of the accidents were caused by a cut mostly from broken glass. The results were classified according to Buck-Gramcko. Primary repair (n = 32) was followed in 72% of an acceptable, good or optimal result. Half on these patients had been treated according to Kleinert's method. Secondary repair (n = 19) showed a good or optimal result in 53%. A more detailed analysis gives no evidence that the patient's age or the localisation of the injury are of major importance in achieving good results. However, primary repair, optimal surgical technique and early mobilisation according to Kleinert seem to be essential for an adequate outcome. Therefore, acute flexor tendon injuries in childhood should only be treated under optimal circumstances (e.g., daytime, surgical team). Otherwise, surgical repair should be delayed for 12 to 48 hours until the best circumstances are available. Furthermore, exact surveillance of the postoperative mobilisation is of crucial importance. In patients who need a flexor tendon transplant, early mobilisation according to Kleinert also seems to produce favourable results.