Effect of the cross-sectional area of locking loops in flexor tendon repair

J Hand Surg Am. 1999 Jul;24(4):751-60. doi: 10.1053/jhsu.1999.0751.

Abstract

An experimental study was performed using human cadaver flexor tendons to determine whether the size of the cross-sectional area encompassed by the locking loop suture configuration affected the biomechanical properties of tendon repair. Increasing the cross-sectional area of the locking loops from 10% to 50% resulted in a proportionate increase in the ultimate tensile strength of the repair and a small increased propensity for gapping. Overlapping the 2 locking loops without increasing the total cross-sectional area increased the propensity for gapping without increasing the ultimate strength.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cadaver
  • Hand / surgery
  • Humans
  • Polyethylene Terephthalates
  • Suture Techniques*
  • Sutures
  • Tendons / surgery*
  • Tensile Strength

Substances

  • Ethibond
  • Polyethylene Terephthalates