Flexor tendon injuries in Zone 2 of the hand remain challenging because of the need to achieve optimal tendon healing while allowing early mobilization and minimizing complications such as rupture and adhesions. Various tendon repair techniques have been described, including four-strand and six-strand core suture methods. This study aims to compare the functional outcomes and complication rates between four-strand and six-strand flexor tendon repair techniques in patients with Zone 2 flexor tendon injuries.
Flexor tendon injuries of Zone 2 are among the most difficult hand injuries to manage because of the complex anatomy and the tendency for adhesion formation and tendon rupture. Advances in tendon repair techniques have focused on increasing repair strength to permit early active mobilization while maintaining tendon gliding. Four-strand repair techniques have been widely used and provide acceptable tensile strength and clinical outcomes. However, six-strand repair techniques may provide greater biomechanical stability and potentially allow safer early mobilization with lower rupture rates. Despite these theoretical advantages, there remains ongoing debate regarding the superiority of one technique over the other in terms of functional recovery and complication profile. This prospective comparative study will be conducted in patients presenting with acute Zone 2 flexor tendon injuries of the hand. Eligible patients will undergo tendon repair using either four-strand or six-strand core suture techniques according to study allocation. All patients will follow a standardized postoperative rehabilitation protocol. Primary outcomes will include functional assessment using total active motion and tendon rupture rates. The findings of this study may help determine the optimal repair technique for improving functional outcomes in Zone 2 flexor tendon injuries while minimizing complications.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
136
Repair of Zone 2 flexor tendon injuries using a four-strand core suture tendon repair technique performed under standard operative protocol followed by postoperative rehabilitation.
Repair of Zone 2 flexor tendon injuries using a six-strand core suture tendon repair technique performed under standard operative protocol followed by postoperative rehabilitation.
Allied Hospital, Faisalabad Medical University
Faisalabad, Punjab Province, Pakistan
Functional Outcome according to Tang Criteria
Functional outcome assessed using the Tang classification (Excellent, Good, Fair, Poor) based on total active motion of the injured finger. The higher the Tang score, the better functional outcome.
Time frame: Three months after Tendon repair
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.