Prospective comparative study of outcomes in primary repair and delayed primary repair of flexor tendon injuries of fingers

Background: Hand is the chief executing organ of humans and plays a vital role in carrying out day to day activities both in professional and activities of daily living. Data regarding incidence of flexor tendon injuries and mechanism causing injuries and common age group affected and post-surgical outcome of patients is lacking in an Indian context. In this study we compared the outcomes of flexor tendon injuries undergoing primary repair and delayed primary repair. Methods: 40 patients between the ages 19-50 years with flexor tendon injuries in zones 2-5 of the hand admitted to department of burns and plastic surgery were included in the study and were divided into primary repair and delayed primary repair groups. All patients were subjected to modified Kessler core suture with continuous epitendon suture for repair of tendons. Duran Houser mobilization protocol was followed in all patients. Results: Patients were assessed with total active motion score by measuring range of motion along with grip strength measured with digital dynamometer at 1, 3, 6 months following repair. Conclusions: Outcomes of primary repair of tendon injuries showed more promising results than delayed primary repair. Less complications rate makes primary repair more favourable than delayed primary repair.