Endoscopic retrieval of severed flexor tendons: a study of technique using cadaveric hands

Techniques for Retrieval of Lacerated Flexor Tendons: A Scoping Review

Introduction: Flexor tendon laceration is often followed by retraction of the proximal stump. The goals of this review were to describe the myriad of proximal stump retrieval surgical techniques and where available to provide the clinical evidence associated with each. Methods: A Medline and Web of Science search was performed to identify any publication whose primary purpose was to describe a tendon retrieval technique. The techniques were assigned to 8 groups. Clinical outcomes, where reported, and advantages and disadvantages of the technique as reported by the authors of the articles were analyzed. Results: Eight-hundred and forty-one publications complied with the search terms, and 33 articles were included in the current analysis. Only 2 of these articles were randomized controlled trials, and they were of low quality. Conclusion: There is no high-quality evidence to allow quantitative comparison of tendon retrieval techniques. An incremental approach can be recommended based on the qualitative review. After failed atraumatic attempts to retrieve the tendon by milking, retrieval should be done through proximal incision at the A1 pulley level, preferably without pulling the tendon out of the wound. When available, using an endoscope to retrieve the tendon appears to be a promising alternative.

Atraumatic Flexor tendon retrieval- a simple method

Background

Zone 2 flexor tendon injuries still represent a challenging problem to hand surgeons despite the well developed surgical techniques and suture materials. Meticulous surgical repair with atraumatic handling of the severed tendon stumps and minimal damage to the tendon sheath are particularly important to prevent postoperative adhesions and ruptures in this area.

In zone 2 flexor tendon injuries proximal to the vinculas, the cut ends of the flexor tendons retract to the palm with muscle contraction. To retrieve the severed proximal flexor tendon under tendon sheath and pulley system is very difficult without damaging these structures. Many techniques are described in the literature for the delivery of the retracted proximal tendon stump to the repair site.

Methods

In this report we would like to present a simple and relatively atraumatic technique that facilitates passing of the retracted flexor tendon through the pulleys in zone 2. We sutured the proximal tendon stump at the distal palmar crease with 3–0 polypropylene suture and used a 14 gauge plastic feeding tube, acting like a conduit for the passage of straightened needle to the finger.

Results

We have used this technique 21 times without any complication in our clinic. We have not seen any suture breakage during the passage or needle breakage due to the bending of the needle.

Conclusions

We have found this technique is very simple and very effective in retrieving the retracted tendon stump without causing undue damage to the tendon stump or tendon sheath.

Flexor tendon retrieval in zone I and II: a new modified technique

In this article we set out to describe a simple and modified Sourmelis technique for tendon retrieval in zone I and II. In this modified technique, a long loop of nylon suture is used and hence there is no need for the stage 4 of Sourmelis technique. The purpose of this paper is to illustrate this modification.

An endoscopic approach to longitudinal structures including muscle flaps and vein, tendon, and nerve grafts

Anatomically favorable structures that have a longitudinal orientation are particularly amenable to endoscopic harvest. Typically, only a single portal is necessary for access, and an optical cavity can be maintained using a mechanical retraction device. As with all minimal invasive surgery, this can still allow rapid and often a safer tissue harvest with diminished morbidity, especially with respect to wound healing and non-aesthetic scar formation. Many plastic surgery applications have already been described facilitated by the endoscopic harvest of vein, tendon, and nerve grafts, as well as certain local or free muscle flaps.

Endoscopic harvesting of the sural nerve graft: a cadaveric investigation

This study investigated an endoscopic technique of harvesting the sural nerve graft. Using endoscopic instrumentation, the sural nerve was harvested from six cadaveric legs. A 2-cm longitudinal incision was made immediately posterior to the lateral malleolus, and a 5-mm endoscope was introduced. The path of the nerve was followed to the popliteal space, and nerve dissection was performed from proximal to distal. Air inflation of a balloon was used to enlarge the endoscopic cavity. The cavity created around the nerve was insufflated with carbon dioxide gas, allowing complete nerve isolation. Using a 0.5-cm transverse incision, the nerve was cut and removed. This endoscopic sural nerve grafting approach offers potential advantages such as less injury to soft tissues, decreased pain, nerve integrity preservation, and good aesthetic results.