ePoster
Presentation Description
Institution: Prince of Wales Hospital - NSW, Australia
Hypothesis
Successful management of flexor tendon injuries remains challenging despite advances in the understanding, techniques and protocols applied. Trainees (and surgeons alike) are confronted with an ever expanding literature and varying advice from trainers on which to base individual decisions for their patients. We hypothesise that despite some variation in pulley management and post-operative rehabilitation, there will be a reasonable consensus on general management. Secondarily, we compared responses with a similar study by the senior author 10 years ago and establish changes with time1.
Methods
A voluntary survey emailed to all members of the Australian Hand Surgery Society (AHSS), data will be submitted without identifying details, with a submission requirement of only one response per surgeon. Data will be collated and analysed.
Results
Most Australian hand surgeons use a braided polyester core suture in a 4 core Adelaide configuration, supported by a monofilament polypropylene epitendinous in a simple running technique. There is significant variability in management of FDS when both flexor tendons are lacerated. Most prefer to only incise A2 and A4 when the repair doesn’t run well or when exposure is difficult. There is significant variability in management of partial lacerations and of contaminated wounds. Post operative rehabilitation protocols remains varied.
References
1. Tolerton, S. K., Lawson, R. D., & Tonkin, M. A. (2014). Management of flexor tendon injuries—part 2: current practice in Australia and guidelines for training young surgeons. Hand Surgery, 19(02), 305-310.
Speakers
Authors
Authors
Dr Christian Cameron-Strange - , Dr Matthew Davies - , Dr Sarah Tolerton -