Effect of the cross-sectional area of locking loops in flexor tendon repair.

An experimental study was performed using human cadaver flexor tendons to determine whether the size of the cross-sectional area encompassed by the locking loop suture configuration affected the biomechanical properties of tendon repair. Increasing the cross-sectional area of the locking loops from 10% to 50% resulted in a proportionate increase in the ultimate tensile strength of the repair and a small increased propensity for gapping. Overlapping the 2 locking loops without increasing the total cross-sectional area increased the propensity for gapping without increasing the ultimate strength.