[Treatment of sections of the long flexor tendon of the thumb using the Rouhier technic. Apropos of 25 cases].

We treated 28 cases of Flexor Pollicis Longus tendon injury by Rouhier's technique between 1989 and 1996 and reviewed 25 cases, with a minimum follow-up of 6 months and maximum of 8 years. Nine patients presented an associated collateral nerve section. We used the International Federation of Hand Surgery Societies (IFSSH) topographic classification. The surgical technique consisted of Flexor Pollicis Longus lengthening and transosseous pull-out in 16 cases and distal suture in 9. The immobilization time ranged from 4 to 7 weeks. The results were evaluated according to Tubiana's classification, with 2 very good, 14 good, 9 fair and no poor results. Flexor Pollicis Longus simple suture in T2 zone may produce suture blockade, tendon shortening and adherences. Suture through the digital canal must be avoided to decrease these complications. In the absence of bone injuries, better functional results can be obtained with Rouhier's technique than with simple suture.