Flexor Tendon Repair Using a Stainless Steel Internal Anchor

Abstract

We have developed a stainless steel internal tendon anchor that is used to strengthen a tendon repair. This study tested its use in vitro to produce a repair that can withstand the tensile strength demands of early active flexion. Fresh human cadaver flexor digitorum profundus tendons were harvested, divided, and then repaired using four different techniques: Kessler, Becker or Savage stitches, or the internal tendon anchor. The internal splint repairs demonstrated a 99-270% increase in mean maximal linear tensile strength and a 49-240% increase in mean ultimate tensile strength over the other repairs. It is hoped that this newly developed internal anchor will provide a repair that will be strong enough to allow immediate active range of motion.