Project Description:

Flexor tendons are fibrous cords of connective tissue that run from the forearm to the tips of each finger, and injuries to these tendons present a significant clinical challenge due to the complexity of the surgical repair methods and the potentially life-altering impact on hand function. Approximately 50,000 flexor tendon injuries occur each year in the US with the majority of affected individuals coming from occupations involving manual labor or repetitive hand use. Despite advances in the surgical techniques used, the current method of care – suture repair – is not standardized across the field. The specific technique used is dependent on the surgeon’s experience and confidence in the strength of the repair. In addition, the current suturing methods face multiple limitations including restricted early mobilization and adhesion formation. Following surgery, patients are required to undergo months of grueling therapy, with most patients never regaining full hand function. 

The Tendon Trap device connects tendon ends together via an implant that will constrict inward on the tendon ends to keep them in place if they begin to pull apart. This device works in tandem with the current suture repair to add strength and increase the repair site’s ability to glide within the sheath. The tensile forces placed on the repair site are translated into compressive forces across the tendon to minimize strain on the suture repair. The Tendon Trap invention is novel as there is nothing currently on the market that connects tendon ends together in this fashion while adding strength and preventing adhesion. By strengthening the repair, patients will be capable, and surgeons will be confident to have the patients moving their injured tendon directly after surgery, leading to a shortened overall recovery time with an increased likelihood of regaining full finger function.