Tendon injuries across the world: Treatment

This article outlines current status of primary and secondary surgical treatment of flexor and extensor tendon injuries in the hand and rehabilitation regimens worldwide. Unsolved problems associated with tendon repairs in the hand are tendon adhesions, rupture of the repairs, finger stiffness, power of hand motion, and surgical skills. Future development may include improvement of tendon heating through biological approaches, repair techniques, and, in particular, establishment of adequate rehabilitation systems and training of surgeons in some regions of the world. (C) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.