Reconstruct Flexor and Extensor tendon in Severe Hand Injury Using Allogenic tendon: A Retrospective study

Abstract Background To evaluate the effective and safety of reconstruction of flexor and extensor tendon in hand using allogenic tendon with 2- to 7.6-year fellow-up. Methods Between August 2007 and July 2014, we performed tendon allografts for 14 patients who suffered from severe hand injury with 2 or more tendon defects. 10 patients have been followed-up, 6 cases of flexor tendon rupture with defect, 3 cases of extensor tendon rupture with defect, 1 case with flexor and extensor tendon rupture with defect. Tendon allografts were used to repair tendon defects in order to reconstruct the function of flexion or extension. At the final follow-up visit, the total active motion (TAM), grip strength, pinch strength, DASH and the degree of satisfaction were measured. The WBC, C-reactive protein (CRP), Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), Total T cell and CD4+T/CD8+T were measured to evaluate the response related to immune and infection. Results The average follow-up period was 50.0 months (range 24-82 months). The mean motion of TAM was 129.9°(rang 12-259°), pinch strength was 0.76Kg (rang 0-4.5Kg), grip strength was 18.67Kg (rang 4-46Kg), the score of DASH was 14.25 (rang 3.3-30.8), 7 patients were satisfied and 3 patients were partially satisfied with the results. The results of WBC, CRP, ESR, Total T cell and CD4+ T/CD8+ T were mostly in normal field. Conclusion In severe hand injuries with multiple tendon defects, reconstruction of flexor and extensor tendon in hand using allogenic tendon is an effective and safe treatment.