The Medical Journal of Basrah University

Abstract

ABSTRACT
This is a prospective study of flexor tendon repair in 26 children with 35 involved fingers, their age ranged between
1.5 to 15 years (average 7). They were presented for surgery within 3 weeks of the injury. Tendon repair using the 4-
strand core suture technique was performed in 65% of the hands and 2-strand in 35%, and postoperatively 73% of
the patients were immobilized by an above-elbow splint. The average follow up period was 9 months (ranged from 4
to 24). Using the Louisville scoring system, satisfactory results was achieved using 4 strand core suture technique and
immobilization by above-elbow splint in 77% of the patients. The postoperative complications consisted of tendon
ruptures in 15% of the cases mostly in those repaired by 2-strand core sutures with immobilization by below-elbow
splint. So we believe that in children the suture technique and type of immobilization had a great influence on the
final outcome following flexor tendon injuries.