Functional reconstruction of severe hand injuries using allogeneic tendons: a retrospective study

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of allogeneic tendons for functional reconstruction of severe hand injuries. METHODS: From August 2007 to July 2014, we performed functional reconstruction with tendon allografts for severe hand injuries affecting two or more tendons. At the final follow-up, we assessed total active motion (TAM); pincer pinch strength; grip strength; Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score; degree of satisfaction; and adhesion. We measured the white blood cell count, C-reactive protein concentration, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, total T-cell count, and CD4(+)T/CD8(+)T ratio to evaluate the immune response and check for infection. RESULTS: Ten patients received 26 allogeneic tendons to reconstruct hand function. The average follow-up period was 50.0 months (range, 24–82 months). The TAM was 126.4° (12°–253°), pincer pinch strength was 0.83 kg (0–4.5 kg), and grip strength was 13.69 kg (4–41.5 kg). The DASH score was 14.25 (3.3–30.8), and seven and three patients were satisfied and partially satisfied, respectively. One patient developed tendon adhesion. All immune and infectious parameters were within the reference range. CONCLUSION: Functional reconstruction using allogeneic tendons for severe hand injuries with multiple tendon defects was effective and safe; however, more research is needed.