Direct measurement of the pulling force affecting the flexor tendons of the hand

A thought, returning again and again in hand surgery, is the immediate introduction of active motion therapy after the reconstructive operations of the flexor tendons. To the active motion an adequately strong tendon suture, to the definition of "adequately strong tendon suture" however the measurement of the pulling force, acting actually on the flexor tendons is necessary. Authors attempted to measure this pulling force during flexor tendon operations on cadaver's hand. On the basis of their measurements the maximal pulling force, that can be expected during postoperative active movement exercises with adequate circumspection, can be estimated as two kiloponds.