Comparison of bridge graft and end-to-side transfer for treatment of closed rupture of the flexor tendons in the little finger

The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of bridge tendon grafts and end-to-side tendon transfers for treating closed ruptures of the flexor tendons in Zones 3 to 5 of the little finger. We selected the surgical procedure based on the passive distraction amplitude of the proximal part of the ruptured flexor tendon. Eleven patients comprised the bridge tendon graft group and ten patients comprised the end-to-side tendon transfer group. We found no significant between-group differences in the total active motion, percentage of total active motion, functional assessment by the Strickland and Glogovac criteria and grip strength compared with the unaffected hand. We believe that choosing the surgical procedure after determining the passive distraction amplitude of the ruptured tendon can be useful in clinical practice. Level of evidence: III