Staged flexor tendon reconstruction using the method of Hunter.

Fifty-two flexor tendons were reconstructed using the staged technique described by Hunter. It is established that these patients would be unlikely to obtain gliding flexor systems by standard grafting techniques. This procedure was undertaken to salvage function in these severe problems. Most of the fingers did not have full passive motion prior to stage II, and 26 fingers (50%) achieved 80% or more of their passive potential after the Stage II graft. With the correct indications and technical skill, this procedure can give useful function to finger with poor flexor systems. Sixteen fingers were failures. There is still an indication for fusion or amputation in some fingers with massive injury, particularly when neurovascular deficiency is present.