COMPARING COMPLICATION RATES FOLLOWING VARIOUS TRAUMATIC TENDON REPAIR TECHNIQUES AT THE JORDANIAN ROYAL MEDICAL SERVICES

Background: Tendon repair techniques have developed over the past years. The Modified Kessler technique has become recognized for its strong and simple nature. The Modified Bunnell technique creates a special pattern of strong and secure repair, as well as it is minimally invasive which lowers the risk of nerve damage and infections. The Running Interlocking Mattress Suture reduces the risk of slippage. However, Running Sutures are simple to apply and flexible. Previous literature studied the advantages and disadvantages of tendon repair techniques, but a specific analysis to the Jordanian population is needed. Objective: This study was conducted to study the percentage of complications for specific tendon repair techniques. Methods: A retrospective study of medical records at King Hussein Medical Center (KHMC) between 2021 and 2024. 2,500 patients were included in this cohort study and were classified by the tendon repair technique they had. Inclusion criteria included patients who are aged between 5 and 60 years old with acute tendon injuries, completed medical records and available follow-up information. Collected data involved demographic characteristics, details of surgery, and complications such as tendon rupture, deformities and adhesions. Results: Repair technique, diabetes, and time to surgery remained significant independent predictors of postoperative complications. The simple running technique was associated with more than a twofold increased risk of complications compared with the Modified Kessler method (OR = 2.02, 95% CI: 1.42–2.87, p < 0.001), whereas the Modified Bunnell and Running interlocking mattress techniques did not significantly differ from the reference group (p > 0.05). Diabetic patients had a higher likelihood of complications (OR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.01–2.16, p = 0.045), and each additional hour of surgical delay modestly increased the risk (OR = 1.01, 95% CI: 1.00–1.02, p = 0.035). Conclusion: The study identified predictors of tendon repair postoperative complications such as repair technique applied, immunocompromised conditions such as diabetes, and prolonged delays before surgery. The Simple Running Technique was linked with increased risk of complications compared to Modified Kessler technique.