Acute flexor tendon injuries.

Current surgical techniques and controlled postoperative mobilization have significantly decreased the amount of intertendinous adhesions that plagued earlier attempts at repair. Nevertheless, the ability to recover normal function after flexor tendon injury remains a challenging and often elusive goal. In the civilian population, good to excellent results may be expected in 69% to 90% of patients. A thorough understanding of tendon anatomy and physiology, attention to atraumatic surgical technique, and a well-designed postoperative therapy regimen will ensure satisfactory results in the majority of cases. Further improvements can be expected as we continue to make advances in the areas of suturing technique, rehabilitation, and pharmacologic intervention.