Extension Force of Finger under Kleinert's Technique

Abstract

Kleinert's technique is widely applied after primary flexor tendon repair. However, flexion contracture of the PIP and DIP joints have proved to be a troublesome complication of this technique. Modified Kleinert's technique, using a palmar pulley, was proposed to promote the differential gliding between the sublims (FDS) and profundus (FDP) tendon. We have compared Kleinert's technique with modified Kleinert's technique in regard to the tension at the tip of fingers and the relation between the tension and the angle of DIP joint. The following results were obtained: 1) Palmar pulley system made to obtain large amount of ROM of DIP joint. 2) The bending moment without a pulley was linearly related to the angle of DIP joint. 3) The maximum bending moment with pulley was 35 degrees of DIP joint flexion angle and diminished with extension.