Results of Flexor Digitorum Profundus Repair Alone in Rupture of Both Flexor Tendons in Zone II: A Case Series

Flexor tendon damagemakes up a small number of total hand injuries; butmanagement of these injuries often poses a surgical challenge because the results remain unpredictable despite all efforts. The results of flexor tendon repair damage of both deep and superficial injuries, especially in zone II, despite using various methods, still remains poor.

This study aimed to assess results of flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) repair with resection of flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) stump in a setting where both tendons are transected. Lack of human studies for FDP repair alone makes the decision difficult.

Files of patients, who were referred to the research hospitals with flexor tendon rupture between April 2014 and April 2016 were studied. Patients, who had recent concurrent FDP and FDS rupture in zone II were included. After six months, range of motion (ROM), pinch strength, and disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) score were measured.

Twenty patients were studied; three were excluded due to missing follow-ups. Seventeen patients remained in the study. Thirteen were males and four were females. Ages were between 17 and 55, with mean age of 23.7 years old. According to the DASH score, 13 patients were placed in mild disability group (score one to seven) and four patients showed no disability (score zero).

The results suggest the outcomes of FDP repair alone in zone II is comparable to repairing both tendons.