An evaluation of the two-stage flexor tendon reconstruction technique.

The performance of 43 two-stage flexor tendon reconstructions in 39 patients was reviewed. Results were graded by comparing the preoperative passive motion of the proximal and distal interphalangeal joints after stage one to the active motion of these same joints after stage two. The procedures returned 16% excellent, 23% good, 26% fair, and 35% poor results with three graft ruptures. Following the tenolysis of 20 grafts (47%) the results for the entire group were improved to 27% excellent, 28% good, 30% fair, and 16% poor. Stage reconstruction, including tenolysis, was felt to be the best available method for restoration of digital function following flexor tendon loss in the badly scarred digit.