wrapping the tendon after repair with silicon sheet to minify adhesion : evaluation of anew idea.

Abstract

Background: Adhesion is one of the most complications of tendon repairs.Aim of the study: to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of using silicon sheet wrapping the tendon after primary repair to prevent adhesion. Patients and Methods: This was a prospective case series study that included 20 patients with primary and delayed primary tendon repair. Repaired flexor or extensor tendon was wrapped in a silicon sheet. The study was conducted at Al-Azhar University Hospitals (Al-Hussien and Sayed Galal). Results: Postoperative assessment and follow-up were done on the studied patients. Our results showed that one patient (5%) had mild soft tissue changes surrounding the tendon. None of the patients were complicated with adhesions. Mild to moderate edema surrounding the tendon compared with contralateral healthy one was found in 17 patients (85%). Dynamic imaging of the tendon movement (passive) to assess the suture site showed vascularization in all patients (100%). Also, the echogenicity of stumps was normal in all studied patients (100%). Conclusion:The tendon repair site healed quickly and qualitatively well in the current study with silicon wrapping. The functionally improved range of motion obtained suggests that peritendinous fibrosis has been reduced. During the follow-up, the patient underwent an ultrasound examination. In silicon wrap cases, ultrasound confirmed objectively better tendon healing quality, less edema, and the absence of other complications.