The tension band principle and angular testing of extensor tendon repairs

Running Interlocking Horizontal Mattress-A New Technique versus Modified Kessler in Extensor Tendon Injuries: A Comparative Study

Introduction  Pursuit for a new technique, which could be placed on flat extensor tendons and strong enough to withstand the tension forces of early mobilization to prevent stiffness, started few decades ago. We evaluated the new technique of tendon repair using running interlocking horizontal mattress (RIHM) sutures followed by early controlled motion protocol in traumatic extensor tendon injuries and compared it to modified Kessler technique. Materials and Methods  We conducted a prospective randomized interventional study of 18 months' duration, with 30 patients. A total of 103 tendons were repaired, of which 58 were repaired using modified Kessler technique and 45 were repaired using RIHM technique. Postoperatively, patients underwent the early controlled motion protocol and the results were evaluated using the criteria of Miller. Results  Majority of the patients had excellent results (53.3%) and 46.67% had good results in the RIHM group while most of the patients in modified Kessler group had only fair results (80%), and only 20% had good results while none had excellent results. Conclusion  RIHM suture is an easy-to-learn and effective technique for tendon repair with comparable operative duration and with better overall result than modified Kessler technique.

Arthroscopic percutaneous inverted mattress suture fixation of isolated greater tuberosity fracture of humerus

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of treatment in patients with isolated greater tuberosity (GT) fractures of humerus using arthroscopic percutaneous inverted mattress suture fixation technique.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We attempted to use the arthroscopic percutaneous inverted mattress suture fixation technique in 17 consecutive cases with isolated displaced GT fractures. Fourteen patients were successfully treated without switching to other methods and were available for follow-up at a mean of 22 months (range: 17-38 months) after surgery. For assessment of clinical outcomes, we evaluated the range of motion and the visual analog scale (VAS) score, the shoulder index of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), and the Korean Shoulder Scale (KSS).

RESULTS

At the final follow-up, the VAS improved to 1.0 points (range: 0-3), the mean ASES score improved to 86.9 points (range: 78.3-100) and the KSS improved to 88.6 points (range: 82-100) postoperatively. Mean union time was 10 weeks. Mean forward flexion was 167.8° (range: 140-180°), mean external rotation in neutral position was 36° (range: 20-70°), and mean internal rotation was at the 12th thoracic level (range: T6-L3) at final follow-up. Three cases were switched to open surgery after attempted arthroscopic technique due to large fragment or osteoporosis.

CONCLUSION

In select cases, the arthroscopic percutaneous inverted mattress suture fixation of GT fracture is a simple and reproducible technique with encouraging early results.

Outcomes of digital zone IV and V and thumb zone TI to TIV extensor tendon repairs using a running interlocking horizontal mattress technique

PURPOSE

Biomechanical evidence has demonstrated that the running interlocking horizontal mattress (RIHM) repair for extensor tendon lacerations is significantly stronger, with higher ultimate load to failure and less tendon shortening compared with other techniques. We investigated the efficacy and safety of primary extensor tendon repair using the RIHM repair technique in the fingers followed by the immediate controlled active motion protocol, and in the thumb followed by a dynamic extension protocol.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective review of all patients undergoing extensor tendon repair from August 2009 to April 2012 by single surgeon in an academic hand surgery practice. The inclusion criteria were simple extensor tendon lacerations in digital zones IV and V and thumb zones TI to TIV and primary repair performed using the RIHM technique. We included 8 consecutive patients with 9 tendon lacerations (3 in the thumb). One patient underwent a concomitant dorsal hand rotation flap for soft tissue coverage. We used a 3-0 nonabsorbable braided suture to perform a running simple suture in 1 direction to obtain a tension-free tenorrhaphy, followed by an RIHM corset-type suture using the same continuous strand in the opposite direction. Average time to surgery was 10 days (range, 3-33 d). Mean follow-up was 15 weeks (range, 10-26 wk). We applied the immediate controlled active motion protocol to all injuries except those in the thumb, where we used a dynamic extension protocol instead.

RESULTS

Using the criteria of Miller, all 9 tendon repairs achieved excellent or good results. There were no tendon ruptures or extensor lags. No patients required secondary surgery for tenolysis or joint release. No wound complications occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

The RIHM technique for primary extensor tendon repairs in zone IV and V and T1 to TIV is safe, allows for immediate controlled active motion in the fingers and an immediate dynamic extension protocol in the thumb, and achieves good to excellent functional outcomes. These clinical outcomes support prior biomechanical data.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic IV.

Managing the injured tendon: current concepts

Despite advances in understanding of the mechanical aspects of tendon management with improved suture technique and early stress application with postoperative therapy, clinical results remain inconsistent after repair, especially within the synovial regions. Complementary research to enhance the intrinsic pathway of healing, suppress the extrinsic pathway of healing, and manipulate frictional resistance to tendon gliding is now the focus of current basic science research on tendons. In the future, application of these new biologic therapies may increase the "safety zone" (or tolerance for load and excursion without dysfunctional gapping) as therapists apply stress to healing tendons and may alter future rehabilitation protocols by allowing greater angles of motion (and thus tendon excursion), increased external load, and decreased time in protective orthoses (splints). However, at this time, the stronger repair techniques and the application of controlled stress remain the best and most well-supported intervention after tendon injury and repair in the recovery of functional tendon excursion and joint range of motion. The hand therapist's role in this process remains a critical component contributing to satisfactory outcomes.

Epitendinous suture techniques in extensor tendon repairs--an experimental evaluation

PURPOSE

The tension-band principle might be relevant to extensor tendon repairs, and a dorsal-only Silfverskiöld epitendinous repair is stronger and stiffer than more conventional techniques in vitro. We aimed to evaluate the strength and stiffness of the strongest epitendinous sutures described, using an in vitro model that subjects the repair to angular force over a pulley, thereby creating a tension-band model.

METHODS

Silfverskiöld dorsal-only epitendinous extensor tendon repairs in porcine foot tendons (n = 8) were compared to reverse (buried) Silfverskiöld (n = 8), Halsted (n = 8), and interrupted horizontal mattress (IHM) repairs (n = 6) in vitro with a tensiometer around a 45° pulley. Thirty tendons total were tested to assess the force required for 2-mm gapping and ultimate tensile strength.

RESULTS

The IHM repair had a significantly higher ultimate tensile strength (43 N; SD, 10 N) than the other repairs, which had strengths between 27 N (SD, 4 N) and 31 N (SD, 7 N). The IHM was also significantly more resistant to gapping than the Silfverskiöld and Halsted repairs.

CONCLUSIONS

Interlocking horizontal mattress, dorsal-only extensor tendon repairs were significantly stronger and more resistant to gapping than Silfverskiöld and Halsted repairs. Other repairs were still strong and resistant to gapping in comparison to previously published data for conventional repairs.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The IHM is a relatively difficult technique to perform, and it remains to be seen whether the additional strength translates to clinical benefits over the easier Silfverskiöld technique.