Autogenous Free Sheath Grafts in Reconstruction of Injured Digital Flexor Tendon Sheath at the Delayed Primary Stage

Abstract

We report our clinical experience of reconstruction of the digital flexor sheath with free autogenous sheath graft at the delayed primary stage. In 21 digits with flexor tendon lacerations, free autogenous sheath was taken from the sheath covering the first dorsal compartment to reconstruct the digital flexor sheath, where there was an obvious defect due to trauma, contusion of the synovial surface or contracture of the digital sheath. Follow-up revealed excellent and good results in 85.7% of the cases. Ample gliding space should be kept inside the sheath tunnel to maintain tendon gliding function.