Augmented (Massachusetts General Hospital) Becker technique combined with static splinting in extensor tendons repairs zones III to VI: functional outcome at three months.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the value of the augmented Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Becker extensor tendon repair, a strong 4-strand technique that allows mobilization of repaired tendons after only 3 weeks of postoperative static splinting.

METHODS

In the prospective study, we used the augmented Becker (MGH) suturing technique with 4-0 Ethilon. Eighteen patients had extensor tendon lacerations repaired with augmented Becker (MGH) technique. Results were compared with the uninjured hand and statistically evaluated. Postoperatively patients were immobilized 3 weeks in a volar splint and then fully mobilized with physiotherapy. Three months postoperatively, all patients had final assessment for total active motions of fingers; extensor lag; range of motion for the metacarpophalangeal, proximal interphalangeal, and distal interphalangeal joints; and pulp-to-palm distance.

RESULTS

Eighteen patients with 20 tendon lacerations were included in the study. At the final assessment, average total active motion of fingers was 268 degrees without a statistically significant difference between this and the uninjured side (P = 0.0584). The average pulp-to-palm distance was 0 cm. There were no wound complications or ruptures of repaired tendons.

CONCLUSIONS

Augmented (MGH) Becker technique is an adequate 4-strand extensor tendon repair technique that allows mobilization of patients after only 3 weeks of static splinting postoperatively. Injured fingers can then be safely mobilized with expected return of function at 3 months postoperatively.