Clinical Characteristics Associated with the Prognosis of One-Stage Grafting for Flexor Digitorum Profundus Reconstruction in Zones I and II

The authors aimed to identify clinical characteristics related to the prognosis after one-stage grafting for flexor digitorum profundus reconstruction in zones I and II. A total of 401 patients who underwent one-stage flexor digitorum profundus reconstruction after injuries in zones I and II, between January 1, 2006, and June 1, 2016, were included for analysis. The authors recorded the following clinical characteristics: duration from injury to reconstruction, graft type and length, handling (preservation or removal) of flexor digitorum superficialis, tenorrhaphy technique, and duration of postoperative immobilization. There was no significant difference in age, sex, duration between injury and reconstruction, graft type, and handling of flexor digitorum superficialis between subjects who underwent successful reconstruction and those who did not. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that end-to-end tenorrhaphy, immediate controlled motion, and immobilization for less than 2 weeks all independently were related to improved final outcomes. Grafting within zones I and II contributed to increased incidence of failure. In a subgroup having an injury-reconstruction duration of less than 2 weeks, the authors observed that grafting from zone III to zones I and II tended to result in better outcomes compared with grafting from zone III to the flexor digitorum profundus insertion. This, however, was not statistically significant (p = 0.11). The authors recommend end-to-end tenorrhaphy, reducing immobilization to less than 2 weeks, and avoiding grafting within zones I and II. In addition, further studies are still needed to clarify the optimal length of grafting. Therapeutic, III.