Two stage flexor tendon reconstruction after over five decades of disability using silicone foley

Abstract

Introduction: Surgical reconstruction of flexor tendon injuries, particularly old injuries, in the digital flexor sheath area (Zone II) are very difficult to perform, presenting significant challenges to both patients and treating surgeons. The healing tendons tend to adhere to the fibro-osseous canal, the proximal and distal ends of tendons are mostly retracted, and in worst cases, the fibro-osseous canal is already collapsed.
Case Presentation: We report in detail how we employed the silicone foley catheter SFC instead of Hunter’s rod, to achieve a magnificent functional outcome in a two-staged reconstruction of a five-decade old flexor tendon injury in Zone II of the right ring finger (RRF).
Conclusion: Surgical correction is still an option for flexor tendon injury even decades after injury. The utility of one’s hand can still be restored regardless of the age of the patient and the period of injury.