The epidemiology of reoperation after flexor tendon repair.

PURPOSE To describe the incidence of reoperation and the demographic factors that may be associated with reoperation after flexor tendon repair. METHODS Using a New York statewide hospital administrative database covering an 8-year period, we examined unique patient discharges with an index procedure of flexor tendon repair for reoperation (re-repair or tenolysis). We compared the age, sex, race, and insurance type by reoperation status using standard univariate statistics and multivariate regression analysis. We performed trend analysis using the Cochran-Armitage trend test. RESULTS From 1998 to 2005, there were 5,229 flexor tendon repairs with a frequency of reoperation of 6%; of these, 91% were in the first year after the primary procedure. Those who underwent reoperation were significantly older than those who did not undergo reoperation. Patients with workers' compensation were 63% more likely to undergo reoperation than those with other forms of insurance. Patients who had concomitant nerve repair during the index procedure were 26% less likely to undergo reoperation. The rate of reoperation did not change during the study period. CONCLUSIONS These results may be useful in shaping research agendas to evaluate sociodemographic factors contributing to reoperations. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Prognostic II.