Cruciate flexor tendon repair has been a major field of research for orthopedic procedure study for many years. This is due to the fact that techniques for better tendon gliding configurations have been slow to develop.
However, a new technique known as eight strand cruciate flexor tendon repair has emerged, optimizing strength for quicker restoration.
The Technique Itself
Eight Strand Cruciate flexor tendon repair is a modification of the cross-locked repair or Adelaide repair. It makes use of 4-0 caliber double stranded nylon suture. The starting position is located at the center of the lacerated tendon. A 2 mm wide cross-locked anchor connects to an 8 mm wide purchase.
This happens on the opposite side of the lacerated tendon until four bisymmetric cross-locked anchors form. Each thread is then tied with a single knot to reduce bulkiness and chance of the knot coming undone. Three suture throws help to tie the threads, embedding into the repaired site of the tendon.
Why Is It Superior?
The eight strand cross locked cruciate tendon repair provides mechanical sufficient mechanical strength without prohibiting inner healing of the lacerated tendon. The Adelaide repair was favored for its ability to give sufficient mechanical strength and simplicity, but could not adequately withstand postoperative motion exercises, which is a crucial part of long-term healing and strength building for the tendon. The Eight strand repair disperses pressure more evenly throughout the repair. Tests on this repair technique show exceptional results in postoperative motion exercises
However, more tests still require an 8 strand by 4 caliber thread, making them stronger than a 6 strand by 3 caliber thread. Both of these affect the strength of the repair and the potential for complete inner healing post surgery. The long-term effects are not yet clear. That said, they yield sufficient post-op exercise results to increase biomechanical strength.
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