Name of the Procedure:

Repair or Advancement of Profundus Tendon with Intact Superficialis Tendon; Secondary Without Free Graft, Each Tendon. Commonly known as "Flexor Digitorum Profundus (FDP) Tendon Repair."

Summary

This procedure involves repairing or advancing the flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) tendon in a finger, while leaving the superficialis tendon intact. It is done without using a graft and typically follows an earlier (secondary) surgery.

Purpose

The procedure is performed to restore function and movement to a finger with a damaged FDP tendon. It aims to enable the patient to flex the finger properly and regain hand functionality.

Indications

• Partial or complete FDP tendon tears.
• Difficulty flexing the finger at the distal joint.
• Past trauma or injury to the tendon.
• Functional impairment affecting daily activities.

Preparation

• Fasting may be required if general anesthesia is used.
• Adjustments to regular medications, particularly blood thinners.
• Preoperative diagnostic tests such as X-rays or MRI.

Procedure Description

1. The patient is usually given local or general anesthesia.
2. An incision is made near the affected tendon.
3. The FDP tendon is carefully examined and debrided.
4. The tendon ends are stitched together or advanced to reattach to the bone, without using a graft.
5. The incision is closed with sutures.
6. The hand may be splinted to immobilize it for healing.

Tools and equipment include surgical scalpels, sutures, and specialized tendon repair tools.

Duration

The procedure typically takes 1 to 2 hours, depending on the complexity.

Setting

Performed in a hospital operating room or an outpatient surgical center.

Personnel

• Orthopedic or hand surgeon.
• Surgical nurses.
• Anesthesiologist (if general anesthesia is used).

Risks and Complications

• Infection at the surgical site.
• Scar tissue formation.
• Tendon re-rupture or failure.
• Stiffness and loss of finger motion.
• Anesthesia-related risks.

Benefits

• Restored finger flexion and hand functionality.
• Improved ability to perform daily tasks.
• Pain relief and enhanced quality of life. Benefits may become noticeable within weeks to months post-surgery.

Recovery

• Follow strict immobilization guidelines for a few weeks.
• Physical therapy to regain strength and mobility.
• Monitor for signs of infection or complications.
• Recovery ranges from several weeks to a few months.

Alternatives

• Conservative management with physical therapy and splinting.
• Primary tendon repair or grafting.
• Each alternative has varying success rates and recovery times.

Patient Experience

• May experience postoperative pain managed with medication.
• Initial discomfort due to immobilization.
• Gradual improvement in function with diligent rehabilitation and physical therapy.
• Follow-up visits to monitor progress and adjust therapy as needed.