Der Unfallchirurg
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The treatment of flexor tendon injuries is still challenging, especially in the region of the narrow annular ligaments and tendon sheaths of the 3‑segment fingers and the thumb (zone 2). In the course of time, the primary suture of the flexor tendons has prevailed over traditional recommendations for a secondary tendon replacement after healing of the wound. Improvements regarding suture techniques and materials and, above all the follow-up treatment, have been crucial for better results and remarkable changes in flexor tendon surgery. ⋯ To achieve this an early functionally active protocol should be implemented. The tendon suture should enable this by having a high primary strength and therefore at least a 4-strand core suture technique with a ring suture should be given preference. Further important prerequisites for success are the undisturbed gliding of the repaired tendon in its "bed" paying special attention to the annular ligaments and preservation of the blood supply to the tendons.
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The current boom in recreational sports leads to an increase in the number of long-distance runners. In addition to typical disease patterns (e.g. of the Achilles tendon) stress fractures are seen more and more frequently. ⋯ Atypical and protracted complaints therefore require a detailed medical history of the patient and should if in any doubt lead to radiological imaging. Once correctly diagnosed, rest from sports and sometimes semi-weightbearing or non-weightbearing is indicated to prevent the development of fracture non-union.
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Posttraumatic kyphotic deformities of the thoracolumbar spine may result in significant clinical complaints. If conservative treatment is not successful, surgical correction of the kyphosis becomes an option. ⋯ The surgical strategy depends on the rigidity and the localization of the posttraumatic kyphotic deformity. In this respect purely posterior approaches and combined posteroanterior surgical approaches are available each with different advantages and disadvantages.
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Normal function of the fingers and thumb depends on properly gliding flexor tendons and a free range of motion of the involved joints. This normal gliding function may be inhibited by adhesions due to damage of the tendon, tendon sheath and adjacent tissue. When digital function is still limited despite a long-term course of hand therapy and there are no signs of further improvement, surgical intervention should be considered. ⋯ Therefore, extensive approaches, arthrolysis, dissolution of unfavorable scar tissue, resection of scarred lumbrical muscles and annular pulley reconstruction are frequently necessary. Salvage procedures, such as arthrodesis, amputation, ray resection or multistage flexor tendon reconstruction are recommended in failed cases and should be considered even preoperatively. In order to retain the intraoperative functional improvement hand therapy for at least 3-6 months should follow.
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The secondary reconstruction of flexor tendons is in most cases very demanding and tedious. The indications, selection of the correct surgical procedure, operative technique and further treatment have to be individually adjusted and are mostly very difficult. Due to the previous operations unpleasant surprises may occur intraoperatively, which must be recognized and treated by the surgeon. Nevertheless, a significant improvement of the function of the whole hand can be achieved for most patients, e.g. by a two-stage flexor tendon transplantation or other techniques described in this article.