Modified Pulvertaft orthogonal passing-through suture technique: a preliminary study

Abstract

Purpose: If the primary suture is difficult due to the large size of a tendon defect, reconstruction of the defective tendon is attempted through tendon transfer or tendon graft. The Pulvertaft technique is most commonly used, but it increases bulk and friction, and it could cause adhesion formation. In order to overcome these problems, we aimed to introduce a new technique.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 22 patients who underwent tendon reconstruction using the modified Pulvertaft technique due to tendon defects from January 2016 to December 2021. An abbreviated version of the original DASH (Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand) outcome measure (QuickDASH) was measured 3 months after surgery. Until the final follow-up observation, tendon rerupture, infection, tendon-related complications (quadriga effect, motion limitation due to bulky size of the suture site), and contracture were measured. QuickDASH was compared according to the cause of the tendon defect and the type of operation using the Mann-Whitney test.Results: The mean QuickDASH score measured 3 months after surgery was 10.42±7.83. No statistically significant difference in the QuickDASH score was found between patients who underwent tendon transfer and those who underwent tendon grafts (p=0.988). Rerupture occurred in 1 case, and there were no cases of infection, tendon-related complications (quadriga effect, motion limitation due to bulky size of the suture site), or contracture.Conclusion: The orthogonal passing-through suture technique could be a new alternative to the tendon reconstruction technique.