Journal of Hand Surgery

McCarthy DM, Boardman ND, Tramaglini DM, Sotereanos DG, Herndon JH


We undertook a survey of one thousand members of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand to determine the methods by which clinicians currently address partial lacerations of digital flexor tendons. Results demonstrate that although most surgeons employ a modified Kessler repair technique and begin protected mobilization within the first forty-eight hours postoperatively, no consensus exists as to either size of laceration warranting tenorrhaphy or necessity of sheath repair. Further, an acceptable means of accurately assessing extent of laceration clearly needs to be developed and implemented for the benefit of both research and clinical practice.