Flexor tenolysis.

The results of thorough tenolysis of the flexor tendons in the palm and digits in selected patients can be quite gratifying. Preoperative requirements include a well-motivated patient with a supple digit and an established wide discrepancy between the active and passive ranges of digital motion. Careful preservation or reconstruction of annular pulleys and the demonstration of the adequacy of the lysis at the time of surgery are extremely important. A vigorous, protected, and closely monitored postoperative therapy course is critical to the success of the procedure. When this surgical-therapy program proceeds without complication, the improvement in digital flexion has been consistent, often with the restoration of near normal function. The incidence of tendon rupture, infection, or delayed wound healing has been low.