Pull-in Suture Technique for the Disinsertion of the Phalangeal Tendon Distal Insertion

Kim, Jae Won; Chung, Sung Mo

Abstract

PURPOSE: The disinsertion of the phalangeal tendon distal insertion has difficulties in ordinary tenorrhaphy operation for the anatomical features, and still has controversy between non-surgical and surgical management. The purpose of this study is to select treatment for the injury of the phalangeal tendon distal insertion, as we've had a good results from operation treatment with Pull-in suture technique.
METHODS
We reviewed the hospital records of 12 patients treated with Pull-in suture technique with disinsertion of the phalangeal extensor or flexor tendon distal insertion from June 2006 to June 2007. Eight patients were involved with the tendon disinsertion without bone fracture, and 4 patients were involved with the fracture of the phalangeal tendon distal insertion site. After removal of the K-wire in week 6, active physical exercises were commenced immediately. The mean follow-up period was 12.4 months.
RESULTS
All the patients who had tendon disinsertion with bone fracture had IIB, by Wehbe and Schneider's classification 2, and we evaluated the results comparing the same finger of the other hand according to Crawford's evaluation criteria 5. The nine excellent and three good results were obtained and there were no limitation of motor for the patient who had operation for the rupture of flexor tendon as well. There were no particular complications during the follow-up period.
CONCLUSION
The most important thing for the disinsertion of the phalangeal tendon distal insertion is to maintain an accurate and durable reduction state keeping the tension of tendon. At this point, after removal of the K-wire, the Pull-in suture technique allows accurate realignment of the tendon-bone unit without any specific instrumentation under the more stable state. The Pull-in suture technique seems to be a strong alternative for the treatment of disinsertion of the phalangeal tendon distal insertion, with successful treatment outcome(rapid functional recovery and high patient satisfaction).