Delayed flexor tendon repair in no man's land.

Thirty seven digital flexor tendon injuries in 31 patients were treated by closure of the skin and delayed repair from 24 hours to 21 days later. All skin wounds healed without serious complication, and there were no infections. On examination at a minium of 4 months after repair, 36% had total active motion (TAM) of 220 degrees, 32% from 200 degrees to 220 degrees, 6% from 180 degrees to 200 degrees and 26% with less than 180 degrees. Under proper conditions, repair of flexor tendons can be carried out with the expectation of results comparable to more complex reconstruction procedures.