Flexor Tendon Repair

Underlying Principles

• At least four core strands are recommended to allow for early active motion rehabilitation protocols.

• Eight strands may be stronger than four strands from time zero through 6 weeks after treatment.

• Although 3–0 suture is stronger than 4–0 suture, the choice of suture caliber may be influenced by the size of the tendon.

• Nonlocked epitendinous repair improves strength and reduces gliding resistance.

• Locking loops result in greater time zero tensile strength as compared with grasping loops.