Optimizing Flexor Digitorum Profundus Tendon Repair: A Narrative Review

Zone II flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) tendon injuries are complex, and present significant challenges in hand surgery, due to the need to balance strength and flexibility during repair. Traditional suture techniques often lead to complications such as adhesions or tendon rupture, prompting the ex...

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Main Authors: Rishith R. Mereddy, Emily E. Zona, Camille J. LaLiberte, Aaron M. Dingle
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-03-01
Series:Journal of Functional Biomaterials
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4983/16/3/97
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author Rishith R. Mereddy
Emily E. Zona
Camille J. LaLiberte
Aaron M. Dingle
author_facet Rishith R. Mereddy
Emily E. Zona
Camille J. LaLiberte
Aaron M. Dingle
author_sort Rishith R. Mereddy
collection DOAJ
description Zone II flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) tendon injuries are complex, and present significant challenges in hand surgery, due to the need to balance strength and flexibility during repair. Traditional suture techniques often lead to complications such as adhesions or tendon rupture, prompting the exploration of novel strategies to improve outcomes. This review investigates the use of flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) tendon autografts to reinforce FDP repairs, alongside the integration of biomaterials to enhance mechanical strength without sacrificing FDS tissue. Key biomaterials, including collagen–polycaprolactone (PCL) composites, are evaluated for their biocompatibility, mechanical integrity, and controlled degradation properties. Collagen-PCL emerges as a leading candidate, offering the potential to reduce adhesions and promote tendon healing. Although nanomaterials such as nanofibers and nanoparticles show promise in preventing adhesions and supporting cellular proliferation, their application remains limited by manufacturing challenges. By combining advanced repair techniques with biomaterials like collagen-PCL, this approach aims to improve surgical outcomes and minimize complications. Future research will focus on validating these findings in biological models, assessing tendon healing through imaging, and comparing the cost-effectiveness of biomaterial-enhanced repairs with traditional methods. This review underscores the potential for biomaterial-based approaches to transform FDP tendon repair.
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spelling doaj-art-6f455d45feff4adcb6969e520524895c2025-08-20T03:43:36ZengMDPI AGJournal of Functional Biomaterials2079-49832025-03-011639710.3390/jfb16030097Optimizing Flexor Digitorum Profundus Tendon Repair: A Narrative ReviewRishith R. Mereddy0Emily E. Zona1Camille J. LaLiberte2Aaron M. Dingle3Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53792, USADivision of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53792, USADivision of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53792, USADivision of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53792, USAZone II flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) tendon injuries are complex, and present significant challenges in hand surgery, due to the need to balance strength and flexibility during repair. Traditional suture techniques often lead to complications such as adhesions or tendon rupture, prompting the exploration of novel strategies to improve outcomes. This review investigates the use of flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) tendon autografts to reinforce FDP repairs, alongside the integration of biomaterials to enhance mechanical strength without sacrificing FDS tissue. Key biomaterials, including collagen–polycaprolactone (PCL) composites, are evaluated for their biocompatibility, mechanical integrity, and controlled degradation properties. Collagen-PCL emerges as a leading candidate, offering the potential to reduce adhesions and promote tendon healing. Although nanomaterials such as nanofibers and nanoparticles show promise in preventing adhesions and supporting cellular proliferation, their application remains limited by manufacturing challenges. By combining advanced repair techniques with biomaterials like collagen-PCL, this approach aims to improve surgical outcomes and minimize complications. Future research will focus on validating these findings in biological models, assessing tendon healing through imaging, and comparing the cost-effectiveness of biomaterial-enhanced repairs with traditional methods. This review underscores the potential for biomaterial-based approaches to transform FDP tendon repair.https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4983/16/3/97flexor tendon repairbiomaterials for tendon repairnanomaterials for tendon repairzone II flexor tendon repair
spellingShingle Rishith R. Mereddy
Emily E. Zona
Camille J. LaLiberte
Aaron M. Dingle
Optimizing Flexor Digitorum Profundus Tendon Repair: A Narrative Review
Journal of Functional Biomaterials
flexor tendon repair
biomaterials for tendon repair
nanomaterials for tendon repair
zone II flexor tendon repair
title Optimizing Flexor Digitorum Profundus Tendon Repair: A Narrative Review
title_full Optimizing Flexor Digitorum Profundus Tendon Repair: A Narrative Review
title_fullStr Optimizing Flexor Digitorum Profundus Tendon Repair: A Narrative Review
title_full_unstemmed Optimizing Flexor Digitorum Profundus Tendon Repair: A Narrative Review
title_short Optimizing Flexor Digitorum Profundus Tendon Repair: A Narrative Review
title_sort optimizing flexor digitorum profundus tendon repair a narrative review
topic flexor tendon repair
biomaterials for tendon repair
nanomaterials for tendon repair
zone II flexor tendon repair
url https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4983/16/3/97
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AT aaronmdingle optimizingflexordigitorumprofundustendonrepairanarrativereview