Flexor tendon repair, rehabilitation, and reconstruction.

[BACKGROUND] Flexor tendon injury is a common problem that plastic surgeons are called on to treat. Despite their common nature, they present a challenge, not necessarily in the surgical treatment per se but in the ability to achieve a "normal" finger as the end result. Because of the difficulty in attaining good outcomes, much continues to be studied and written about flexor tendon injury.

[METHODS] The current literature on flexor tendon repair, rehabilitation, and reconstruction is reviewed.

[RESULTS] Aspects reviewed include type of anesthesia, suture material and configuration, repairs in the different flexor tendon zones, types of tendon rehabilitation, complications of flexor tendon surgery, and flexor tendon reconstruction.

[CONCLUSION] This review provides an update on the current standards in the treatment of flexor tendon injury.