Tendon grafts for flexor tendon injuries in the fingers and thumb; a study of technique and results.

The object of this work is to report the results obtained in a consecutive series of 149 cases of flexor tendon grafting in the fingers and thumb, and to study the lessons which failure and success have taught. The first graft was performed in 1942 and the period under review includes the year 1954. No case has been omitted except where an adequate late assessment has been impossible, or for some special reason which will be stated. Three groups of tendon divisions are considered: 1) flexor digitorum profundus beyond the distal palmar crease; 2) flexor digitorum profundus and sublimis in the same region; and 3) flexor pollicis longus beyond the wrist joint. It is unsatisfactory to classify results as good, fair and poor because these terms convey little meaning. A method is needed which is accurate without containing excessive detail and which can be readily understood. In 1950 Boyes published a critical evaluation of the