Published in:
01-07-2018 | Original Article • HAND - TRAUMA
Treatment of flexor tendon reconstruction failures: multicentric experience with Brunelli active tendon implant
Published in: European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology | Issue 5/2018
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Introduction
Secondary repair of flexor tendon injuries remain a challenging procedure for hand surgeons. Usually, secondary reconstruction should be performed by staged approach. When the tendon and pulley integrity are intact, tenolysis may be the first surgical option. One-/two-stage tendon grafts are suggested when the integrity of flexor tendon is compromised. Active tendon implants (Brunelli prostheses) may represent an efficient option in patients with a poor prognosis, as well as whenever classical techniques fail. Due to lack of literature about this second-line treatment, the authors present the experience of two different orthopedic departments with the permanent active tendon implant.
Materials and method
Nineteen consecutive patients with failed previous flexor tendons repairs were treated with active tendon implants between 2000 and 2011. The functional outcome of the patients was examined with a mean follow-up of 5.6 years, using Strickland assessment and QuickDASH.
Results
In 16 cases, the tendon implants were well tolerated and patients resulted satisfied with a QuickDASH score less than 33. Strickland score was fair to excellent in 10 patients. We registered adhesion complications in 3 cases.
Conclusion
We can conclude that these prostheses represent an alternative to biological reconstructions and a potentially permanent procedure in complicated flexor tendon injuries.
Level of evidence
Multicentric case series, Level IV.