Comparative Study of FDP with or without FDS Repair in ACUTE ZONE II Flexor Tendon Injuries of the Hand; a Prospective Study

Background: Flexor tendon injuries in Zone II of the hand present significant challenges due to their intricate anatomy and the necessity for precise surgical intervention to restore function. The primary goal of surgical intervention is to restore tendon function while minimizing complications like adhesions and rupture.Patients and Method: A prospective study was conducted involving 20 patients with acute Zone II flexor tendon injuries. The patients were randomly put into one of two groups: Group A (FDP repair only) and Group B (FDP and FDS repair). Surgical outcomes were assessed based on total active motion (TAM) over a 3-month follow-up period.Results: The baseline demographics, injury characteristics, and operative details were comparable between the two groups. The mean follow-up period was 15.6 weeks in Group A and 17.8 weeks in Group B. The mean of TAM at the final follow-up was 85.5% ± 7.09 in Group A and 86.1% ± 7.12 in Group B, with no statistically significant difference. The complication rates and patient satisfaction levels were also comparable between both groups.Conclusion: FDP repair with FDS excision yielded similar functional results regarding TAM compared to combined FDP and FDS repair. However, the latter approach carries a higher risk of adhesions and tendon rupture. Meticulous postoperative physiotherapy is crucial to prevent adhesions and restore the ROM.