The Effect of Suture Materials on the Biomechanical Performance of Different Flexor Tendon Repairs and the Concept of Construct Efficiency.

Background: To propose a new term ('construct efficiency') for the evaluation of multi strands flexor tendon repairs using different suture materials.

Methods: A total of twenty specimens from 4-0 braided polyblend sutures (FiberLoop/FiberWire; Arthrex, Naples, FL) and 4-0 nylon sutures (Supramid Extra II; S. Jackson, Inc.

Cyclic Testing of the 6-Strand Tang and Modified Lim-Tsai Flexor Tendon Repair Techniques.

Purpose: In this study, we compared the Tang repair technique with the 6-strand modified Lim-Tsai repair technique under cyclic testing conditions.

Methods: Twenty fresh-frozen porcine flexor tendons were randomized into 2 groups for repair with either the modified Lim-Tsai or the Tang technique using Supramid 4-0 core sutures and Ethilon 6-0 epitendinous running suture. The repaired tendons were subjected to 2 stage cyclic loading.