Abstract
Objective To evaluate the biomechanical properties of the “figure-of-eight” and Kessler suture
techniques for tendons.
Methods Flexor tendons of porcine fingers were divided into two groups with triple central
“figure of eight” sutures (six passages) and Kessler sutures (two passages) associated
with simple and continuous peripheral sutures, and submitted to continuous longitudinal
mechanical tests, to obtain the mechanical properties of maximum load and energy at
maximum load.
Results The mean maximum load and energy at maximum load in the “figure-of-8” suture were
of 63.4 N and 217.3 N.mm respectively; in the Kessler suture, the values were of 34.19 N
and 100.9 N.mm respectively. The statistical analysis indicated that the “figure-of-eight”
suture is mechanically superior to the Kessler technique.
Conclusion Under the conditions of this experiment and in the flexor tendon of porcine fingers,
the triple “figure-of-eight” suture (six passages) is more resistant than the Kessler
suture (two passages). The “figure-of-eight” suture with six passages enables active
movement in the immediate rehabilitation of the flexor tendon repair of the finger,
with little risk of rupture or suture spacing.
Keywords
orthopedic procedures - biomechanical phenomenon - tendon injuries - finger injuries
- suture techniques
