Frontiers in Medical Technology (Feb 2024)

Current clinical opinion on surgical approaches and rehabilitation of hand flexor tendon injury—a questionnaire study

  • Ruikang Xue,
  • Jason Wong,
  • Jason Wong,
  • Angela Imere,
  • Angela Imere,
  • Heather King,
  • Peter Clegg,
  • Peter Clegg,
  • Sarah Cartmell,
  • Sarah Cartmell

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fmedt.2024.1269861
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 6

Abstract

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The management of flexor tendon injury has seen many iterations over the years, but more substantial innovations in practice have been sadly lacking. The aim of this study was to investigate the current practice of flexor tendon injury management, and variation in practice from the previous reports, most troublesome complications, and whether there was a clinical interest in potential innovative tendon repair technologies. An online survey was distributed via the British Society for Surgery of the Hand (BSSH) and a total of 132 responses were collected anonymously. Results showed that although most surgeons followed the current medical recommendation based on the literature, a significant number of surgeons still employed more conventional treatments in clinic, such as general anesthesia, ineffective tendon retrieval techniques, and passive rehabilitation. Complications including adhesion formation and re-rupture remained persistent. The interest in new approaches such as use of minimally invasive instruments, biodegradable materials and additive manufactured devices was not strong, however the surgeons were potentially open to more effective and economic solutions.

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