Flexor tendon transplantation

Background. Insufficiency of both flexor tendons of a finger considerably disrupts the function of the whole hand. Flexor tendon transplantation represents the best way to reconstruct or improv function in many cases. Objectives. Based on the literature and our own results, not only the current state of the surgical technique, but also the opportunities and dangers of this sophisticated operation, are represented. Knowledge of alternative methods is important. Methods. With a follow-up of between 2 to 12 years, a total of 272 patients who underwent flexor tendon transplantation in the hand during several periods from 1974 to 2000 were investigated. Results. Similar to the international literature, our long-term results did not specify the exact surgical technique (pedicled or free). According to the Buck-Gramcko score, 32 % had very good results, 26.4 % good, 15.1 % satisfactory, and 26.5 % poor. Conclusions. Numerous details need to be considered before, during, and after surgery. For the patient, the procedure has tremendous significance in many ways; thus, this operation should only be performed by an experienced hand surgeon.