Our Summary
This research paper is about a type of hand surgery called flexor tenolysis. The goal of the study was to review the effectiveness of different methods used in this surgery. The researchers looked at previous studies and articles to gather their data.
They found 14 studies that were relevant. These studies included 556 different surgeries, performed on patients ranging in age from 1 to 75 years old. Different ways of measuring the success of the surgery were used across the studies, but the most common was the Strickland criteria.
Based on the results of these studies, the researchers found that about 68% of the surgeries were considered ‘good’ or ’excellent’ according to the Strickland criteria. This means that the patients had a good range of motion in their hand after the surgery.
Other methods of measuring success also showed positive results. For example, in studies that used the Buck-Gramcko, total active motion (TAM), and pulp-to-palm distance methods, 72%, 84%, and 30% of surgeries were considered ‘good’ or ’excellent’, respectively.
In conclusion, the researchers found that flexor tenolysis can be a successful surgery for many patients. However, they point out that the studies available are observational and more research is needed.
FAQs
- What is flexor tenolysis and what is its purpose in hand surgery?
- What is the Strickland criteria and how was it used in the studies reviewed?
- What were the success rates of flexor tenolysis according to other measurement methods, such as Buck-Gramcko, TAM, and pulp-to-palm distance methods?
Doctor’s Tip
One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about hand surgery, specifically flexor tenolysis, is to follow the post-operative care instructions carefully. This may include keeping the hand elevated, doing prescribed exercises to improve range of motion, and attending follow-up appointments with the surgeon. By following these instructions, the patient can help ensure the best possible outcome and recovery from the surgery.
Suitable For
Patients who are typically recommended for flexor tenolysis hand surgery are those who have limited range of motion in their fingers due to scar tissue formation, adhesions, or contractures in the flexor tendons. This can be a result of injuries, such as tendon lacerations or fractures, or conditions like Dupuytren’s contracture or trigger finger.
Candidates for flexor tenolysis surgery may have difficulty with activities of daily living, such as gripping objects, typing, or holding utensils. They may also experience pain, stiffness, or weakness in their hand that limits their function and quality of life.
Overall, patients who are experiencing restricted movement in their fingers and hand due to flexor tendon issues may benefit from flexor tenolysis surgery to improve their range of motion and functionality.
Timeline
Before the hand surgery, a patient will typically undergo a consultation with a hand surgeon to discuss their symptoms and medical history. They may also undergo diagnostic tests such as x-rays or MRI scans to determine the extent of the injury or condition requiring surgery. The patient will also receive pre-operative instructions, such as fasting before the surgery and avoiding certain medications.
During the hand surgery, the patient will be under general anesthesia or a regional nerve block to numb the area. The surgeon will make an incision in the hand to access the affected tendons and perform the necessary repairs or release of scar tissue. The surgery can take a few hours to complete, depending on the complexity of the procedure.
After the hand surgery, the patient will be monitored in a recovery room before being discharged home. They will be given instructions on wound care, pain management, and physical therapy exercises to help with the recovery process. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor the healing progress and assess the range of motion in the hand.
In the weeks and months following the hand surgery, the patient will gradually regain strength and mobility in the hand through physical therapy and rehabilitation exercises. It may take several months for the hand to fully recover, and the patient may need to make lifestyle adjustments to protect the hand from future injuries.
Overall, the timeline for a patient undergoing hand surgery involves pre-operative preparation, the surgical procedure itself, and post-operative recovery and rehabilitation to restore function and mobility in the hand.
What to Ask Your Doctor
- What is the success rate of flexor tenolysis surgery in terms of improving range of motion in the hand?
- What are the potential risks and complications associated with flexor tenolysis surgery?
- What is the recovery process like after flexor tenolysis surgery?
- How long will it take to see improvement in hand function after the surgery?
- Are there any alternative treatments or therapies that could be considered instead of surgery?
- How experienced is the surgeon in performing flexor tenolysis surgery?
- What can I do to prepare for the surgery and optimize my chances of a successful outcome?
- What type of post-operative care and rehabilitation will be necessary?
- Are there any restrictions or limitations I should be aware of after the surgery?
- What are the long-term expectations for hand function following flexor tenolysis surgery?
Reference
Authors: VAN Carlen M, Plonczak A, VAN J, Mishra A, Breahna AN. Journal: J Hand Surg Asian Pac Vol. 2022 Aug;27(4):607-614. doi: 10.1142/S2424835522500576. Epub 2022 Aug 8. PMID: 35965368