A Mechanical Evaluation of Zone II Flexor Tendon Repair Using a Knotless Barbed Suture Versus a Traditional Braided Suture.

Purpose: To determine repair site bulk, gliding resistance, work of flexion, and 1-mm gap formation force in zone II flexor tendon lacerations repaired with knotless barbed or traditional braided suture.

Methods: Transverse zone II lacerations of the flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) tendon were created in 36 digits from 6 matched human cadaveric pairs. Repair was performed with 2-0 barbed suture (n = 18) or 3-0 polyethylene braided suture (n = 18).