Title : Flexion contracture in finger following repair or reconstruction of zone II flexor tendon injury in hand: How we manage it in Bangladesh
Abstract:
Hypothesis: What is the functional outcome of flexion contracture release in case of flexion contracture in fingers following flexor tendon repair/reconstruction in Zone II
Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted in SIBL Foundation Hospital, Green Road, Dhaka, from March 2018 to September 2025. A total number of 20 patients with 25 fingers involved in flexion contracture were selected as per selection criteria as study subjects. Contracture was released by multiple Z plasties, and flexor tendon was reconstructed( either grafted or Z lengthened) in the same sitting for all patients. Data were compiled and sorted properly and analyzed by Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS-26). Numerical data were analyzed using an unpaired t-test and categorical data using a chi-square test. A p-value < 0.05 was considered as the level of significance.
Results: The mean age of the patients was 28.05 (+11) years. Males (75%) were predominant. Most involved finger was index (40%). Right hand was involved more (75%). Two patients (10%) developed superficial infection which recovered with antibiotics, but one of them developed contracture again. Excellent results were achieved in 10 patients (50%), good results in 6 patients (30%), fair results in 3 patients (15%), and poor results were seen in 1 patient (5%).
Summary: According to the study findings, it can be concluded that the functional outcome of single-stage tendon reconstruction with release of flexion contracture by multiple Z plasties in the same sitting for flexion contracture of fingers is a good procedure with satisfactory results. Adequate postoperative rehabilitation is needed to get good results.
