• ABSTRACT
    • Flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) tendon avulsions, although uncommon, are not infrequent injuries. A widely accepted method of treating Type 1 FDP avulsions is a pullout suture tied over a button on the nail plate. The external dorsal button is often a source of inconvenience for the patient. Potential risks associated with button use include nail plate deformities, nail fold necrosis and infections tracking along the sutures. The use of small suture anchors provides a satisfactory alternative, because buried fixation avoids these potential complications. This in vitro, biomechanical study examined the influence of the anchor orientation on the properties of the repaired FDP tendon using human cadavers.