Reduction of grip strength, finger flexion pressure, finger pinch pressure and key pinch following flexor tendon repair.

67 patients with 176 repaired flexor tendons have been reviewed after a mean follow-up interval of 26.4 months. After repair, mean grip strength was 74.5%, mean finger flexion pressure 76.8% and mean finger pinch pressure 74.7% of that of the opposite uninjured hand or digit. For 16 patients with repaired flexor pollicis longus tendons, mean key pinch was 78.7%. Grip strength was reduced after injury to tendons alone, but was especially reduced when there was concomitant damage to the median or ulnar nerves.