- Discussion:
- tendon ruptures can occur as an early or late complication (6 to 7 weeks)
- most occur around post op day 10;
- after primary repair, most likely site for failur is at repair site;
- if rupture is recent, reanstomose tendon;
- if rupture is
older than 1-2 weeks, reanastomosis is not likely to be possible
w/o significant tendon shortening;
- if superficialis is normal, tendodesis or arthrodesis is performed
performed on the distal IP joint;
- tenodesis is better choice than arthrodesis since there is retained
passive flexibility of distal phalanx which is important in grasping
small objects;
- after 6 weeks, re-anastomosis will not usually be possible and surgeon
should consider
stage flexor tendon repair;
- if FDS has been lost, complex reconstructive procedures are needed;
- may include:
- insertion of prosthesis
- joint release and pulley reconstruction
- tendon grafting;
