Comparative Study between Traditional Tenolyses and with Intraoperative Awakening Performed on the Flexor Osteofibrous Tunnel Region of the Hands (zone 2)

OBJECTIVE Flexor tendon tenolysis on zone 2 is a difficult and really challenging for hand surgery. With the objective of comparing the results obtained between tenolyses with intraoperative awakening, performed with locoregional anesthesia (group 1), from those obtained with traditional tenolysis performed under general anesthesia or total blockage of the brachial plexus (group 2), the authors conducted a prospective and controlled study. METHODS 22 patients with 39 fingers with flexor tendon injuries on zone 2 evolving to adherences were assessed. All patients were operated after three months and before one year of the primary tendinous suture. All patients showed limited active motion not improved by rehabilitation. Groups 1 and 2 showed to be homogenous concerning patients' age and gender, preoperative compromising, and absence of associated injuries or pathologies. All patients were assessed according to active motion (TAMs) both preoperatively and at 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS The statistical analysis of data obtained for groups 1 and 2 shows that the tenolysis performed with both techniques produce good results. By comparing the results for total active motion after six months of the tenolysis, group 1 patients (treated by the intraoperative awakening technique) were found to present better outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Flexor tenolysis on zone 2 provide good results in terms of joint range of motion. The intraoperative awakening technique with locoregional anesthesia provides improved outcomes when compared to the traditional technique.