Evaluation of Eight-Strand Flexor Tendon Repair Without Splinting

Flexor tendon injuries in zone II are traditionally managed with postoperative splinting to protect the repair, but this can limit early mobilization and functional recovery. This prospective cohort study aims to evaluate the clinical and functional outcomes of primary flexor tendon repair using an eight-strand core suture technique without postoperative splinting.

All procedures will be performed under wide-awake local anesthesia without a tourniquet (WALANT). The injured tendons will be repaired using an innovative crossed eight-strand core suture technique with PDS 3-0 or 4-0 sutures, depending on tendon size. Standard aseptic technique and microsurgical instruments will be utilized.

Unlike traditional protocols, no splint will be applied postoperatively. Patients will begin gentle, active range-of-motion exercises starting on postoperative day 5. This approach aims to leverage the superior tensile strength of the eight-strand repair to allow early mobilization, potentially reducing adhesion formation and improving outcomes.

Patients will be followed up weekly until 6 weeks, then at 12 weeks, and finally at 6 months post-surgery. Skin sutures will be removed at two weeks.

The primary outcome is Total Active Motion (TAM) assessed using the Strickland and Glogovac score at 6 weeks and 6 months. Secondary outcomes include grip strength and patient-reported function via the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire at the same time points.

Inclusion criteria

• Adult patients (18+ years).
• Single or multiple clean-cut flexor tendon injuries.
• Primary repair performed within 2 weeks.
• Patients with concurrent digital nerve injuries will include if the nerve could be directly repaired.

Exclusion criteria

• Crush or avulsion injuries.
• Associated fractures or neurovascular compromise.
• Recurrent or chronic tendon injuries.