Non-absorbable Suture-Loaded Anchors for Finger Pulley Reconstruction

TL;DR

This case study describes a patient with finger movement issues after surgery, and the use of non-absorbable sutures to improve recovery and reduce scarring.

Contribution

The paper introduces the use of non-absorbable suture-loaded anchors for finger pulley reconstruction to reduce scarring and improve mobility.

Findings

The patient had limited finger movement and scarring after previous surgeries.

Using non-absorbable sutures helped reconstruct the A2 pulley and reduce scarring.

The approach may promote early range of motion in similar cases.

Abstract

A 59-year-old woman, who previously underwent surgery on her left long finger A1 pulley and left small finger distal interphalangeal joint for triggering and mallet deformity at another medical facility in March 2021, sought evaluation at an Orthopedics Hand clinic. She presented with limited finger movement, a flexion contracture, and difficulty extending her left long finger. Examination revealed an A2 pulley injury with extensive scar tissue. Subsequently, she underwent surgery to remove the scar tissue and reconstruct the A2 pulley using suture tape anchors. This case highlights the negative outcome following A1 pulley release due to an unintended A2 injury, resulting in significant scarring and an intrinsic plus digit posture. Additionally, it underscores the potential effectiveness of using non-absorbable synthetic sutures to minimize scarring and promote an early range of motion in cases where healing leads to excessive scarring around the flexor tendon sheath.

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