Evaluation of suture caliber in flexor tendon repair.

This biomechanical study investigated the effect of suture caliber variation on tensile strength in 3 types of 2-strand flexor tendon repairs. Each type of repair was constructed with 5-0, 4-0, 3-0, and 2-0 braided polyester suture. Linear distraction was performed on 120 repaired human cadaveric flexor digitorum profundus tendons until tensile failure occurred.

Open fractures of the patella: long-term functional outcome.

Seventy-nine open patella fractures in 76 patients were treated between 1986 through 1994, with an 80% incidence of multiple injuries. All were treated with irrigation and debridement, open reduction, internal fixation, and reconstruction of the extensor mechanism. In no case was a primary patellectomy performed, even with severe comminution.