Reconstruction of the digital pulley in the monkey using biologic and nonbiologic materials

✍ Scribed by Christopher C. Kain; Dr. Paul R. Manske; Tom E. Reinsel; Andrew M. Rouse; William W. Peterson

• Publisher: Elsevier Science
• Year: 1988
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 828 KB
• Volume: 6
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0736-0266
• DOI: 10.1002/jor.1100060611

✦ Synopsis

A-2 pulleys were replaced in the hand of the nonhuman primate; on the long/little fingers the pulleys were reconstructed with a woven nylon fabric (Nitex), and on the ringiindex fingers the pulleys were reconstructed with fascia lata. The opposite unoperated hand served as a control. At 2, 3 , and 6 months postoperative, the animals were killed to compare the function of the reconstructed pulleys with the control pulleys of the opposite digit. Using a tensile testing machine, two parameters, work of flexion and tendon excursion, showed that both pulley reconstructions permitted minimal tendon bowstringing and had excellent gliding function. Both materials increased in strength over time to become stronger than the control pulley. Histologic examination showed no foreign body reaction to the Nitex; excellent fibrous ingrowth into the woven nylon was seen, which matured in time. The surface of the Nitex pulley facing the tendon developed and maintained a synovial-like gliding surface. The Nitex pulley compared favorably with the fascia1 pulley biomechanically and histologically; both reconstructed pulleys functioned well compared with normal pulleys.