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Gliding resistance versus work of flexion—two methods to assess flexor tendon repair
Author(s) -
Tanaka Tatsuro,
Amadio Peter C.,
Zhao Chunfeng,
Zobitz Mark E.,
An KaiNan
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
journal of orthopaedic research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.041
H-Index - 155
eISSN - 1554-527X
pISSN - 0736-0266
DOI - 10.1016/s0736-0266(03)00004-4
Subject(s) - pulley , tendon , fibrous joint , anatomy , medicine , flexor muscles , work (physics) , surgery , physics , structural engineering , engineering , thermodynamics
Two methods for measuring the ability of the flexor tendon to glide following repair are commonly cited in the literature; gliding resistance (GR) at the tendon–pulley interface and work of flexion. The GR measures the friction force at the tendon–pulley interface, while the work of flexion characterizes whole finger function during flexion. Since a portion of the total work of flexion (TWOF), termed the internal work of flexion (IWOF), is expended due to the tendon–pulley interaction, a relationship between the work of flexion and GR should be present. The purpose of this study was to quantify this correlation. Forty‐eight flexor digitorum profundus tendons in 48 mongrel dogs were transected and repaired with a modified Kessler technique and an epitenon running suture. Post‐operatively, the operated paw was immobilized in a cast. Dogs were sacrificed at 1, 3, 5 or 7 days after surgery. In each repaired digit work of flexion and GR were measured. While the GR was not significantly different over the time points, the TWOF decreased at 5 days after surgery and then increased at 7 days ( p < 0.05). There was little correlation between TWOF and GR ( r = 0.25, p = 0.07). However, there was a strong correlation between IWOF and GR ( r = 0.76, p < 0.05) suggesting that measurement of GR could be used as a predictor of IWOF within the short term after tendon repair. © 2003 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.