Tendon Suturing techniques in orthopaedics for 10 marks. Give diagrams
tendon suturing techniques orthopaedics Kessler Bunnell
tendon repair suture technique diagram

This orthopaedic illustration depicts the Bunnell suture repair technique used for triceps tendon ruptures. Image A is a detailed anatomical drawing showing the triceps muscle belly in red, distal triceps tendon, and a semitendinosus allograft. The allograft is looped around the triceps tendon and secured to the distal bone (olecranon) using the Bunnell technique. The repair features non-absorbable sutures woven in a characteristic criss-cross, figure-of-eight pattern (whipstitch) through the tendon substance to provide high tensile strength and minimize suture pullout. Image B provides a simplified schematic diagram of the same Bunnell stitch configuration, highlighting the 'X' shaped intersections of the suture and the horizontal locking components that bridge the gap between two ends of a ruptured tendon or a tendon-bone interface. This visual material is intended for orthopedic education regarding surgical management of tendon injuries and biomechanical stability in ligamentous repair.

This composite educational graphic details a subscapularis tendon repair technique. Panel A is a simplified schematic diagram illustrating the management of two mattress sutures placed in the tendon stump. Scissor icons indicate the cutting of one limb from each mattress suture, while blue and red lines represent the remaining limbs retained for further repair stages. Panel B is an intra-operative arthroscopic photograph showing the corresponding surgical view within the shoulder joint. A black arrow in Panel B points to the two retained white, braided suture limbs emerging from the repaired subscapularis tendon. The surgical field displays the reddish-pink, fleshy texture of the tendon stump anchored to the lighter-colored bony footprint of the lesser tuberosity. This visual aids in understanding complex suture management during arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, specifically the transition between primary tendon fixation and subsequent suture bridging or comma tissue repair.

This composite image illustrates the surgical repair of an Achilles tendon injury, likely in an animal model, consisting of two clinical photographs and one schematic diagram. Frame (a) is a clinical photograph depicting a complete tenotomy where the Achilles tendon has been isolated and severed, showing the characteristic gap between the proximal and distal tendon ends within the surgical field. Frame (b) shows the subsequent tenorrhaphy procedure, with the tendon ends being re-approximated using monofilament sutures. Frame (c) provides a schematic representation of the modified Kessler stitch used for the repair. The diagram highlights the suture path, which includes longitudinal intratendinous passes and transverse interlocking loops (indicated by circles) that terminate in a knot. This specific suture technique is an orthopedic standard designed to maximize mechanical stability and resist gapping at the repair site by distributing tension across the tendon fibers. The content serves as an educational reference for orthopedic surgical techniques and tendon healing research.

A composite image consisting of an intraoperative photograph (left) and a corresponding anatomical diagram (right) focusing on orthopedic surgical repair of the distal biceps tendon. The clinical photograph displays a surgical incision at the antecubital fossa with the distal biceps tendon exteriorized. The tendon is bifurcated into two distinct heads, labeled 'M' for medial and 'L' for lateral in the surgical field. Suture material is shown interlaced through each tendon head using a four-throw modified Krackow whipstitch technique, with long suture leads extending distally for eventual reattachment to the radial tuberosity. The anatomical diagram on the right provides a schematic representation of this technique, labeling the bifurcated tendon as 'SH' (short head) and 'LH' (long head). It illustrates the specific looping and locking mechanism of the Krackow stitch on each side of the tendon mid-substance, emphasizing the anatomical separation of the bifid distal biceps for anatomic footprint restoration during surgical reattachment.

This composite educational material demonstrates the surgical management of a subscapularis tendon tear in the right shoulder, specifically focusing on the 'comma tissue' repair. Panel A provides an anatomical line diagram illustrating the relationship between the humeral head, subscapularis, and the arc-shaped comma tissue (superior glenohumeral ligament/coracohumeral ligament complex). Panel B is an arthroscopic image showing the subacromial space after initial subscapularis repair; two retained blue suture limbs (black arrow) are visible near the irregularly textured comma tissue. Panel C shows the same arthroscopic view following the completion of the comma tissue repair. The sutures (black arrow) have been passed through the tissue using an antegrade suture passer, effectively securing the comma tissue to the repaired tendon complex. This technique is used to restore the anatomical stability of the rotator cuff. The images demonstrate key landmarks including the humeral head, the subscapularis tendon stump, and the fibrous comma sign, highlighting the transition from initial suture retention to final tissue fixation.

This medical illustration depicts a surgical technique for Achilles tendon repair reinforced with a gastrosoleus fascia turn-down flap. The line diagram is divided into two views showing the posterior aspect of the lower leg and ankle. The left view shows the harvest site of a longitudinal fascial strip from the gastrosoleus complex, which is reflected distally. The right view provides a detailed anatomical perspective of the repair site, where the Achilles tendon has been sutured using a series of three parallel, criss-cross (X-pattern) suture lines. The gastrosoleus fascia strip is illustrated as being rotated or twisted 180 degrees to overlay and reinforce the primary tendon repair site. This surgical algorithm is characteristic of chronic Achilles tendon rupture management, where local tissue transfer is utilized to bridge gaps or augment the structural integrity of the weakened tendon. The diagram highlights key surgical landmarks including the calcaneus, the Achilles tendon body, and the proximal gastrocnemius muscle belly.
Kessler suture flexor tendon repair finger

Clinical photograph of an intraoperative surgical procedure for flexor tendon repair in the hand. The image focuses on the palmar aspect, demonstrating the repair of a sectioned flexor tendon, specifically utilizing the modified Kessler suture technique. Visible components include exposed flexor tendons in Zone II, held and manipulated with surgical needles and sutures. A green-hubbed hypodermic needle is used for stabilization of the tendon ends. The surgical field shows a vertical incision near the base of the index finger and distal palmar crease, with sutures already placed in the surrounding skin. There is evidence of localized soft tissue trauma, bruising, and bloodstains. The background includes sterile surgical drapes, gauze, and a gloved hand, providing clinical context for orthopedic or plastic surgery training regarding hand trauma and tendon reconstruction.

This clinical photograph captures an intraoperative view of an orthopedic surgical procedure on a human hand, specifically a flexor tendon repair in Zone II (the 'no man's land' of the hand). The image demonstrates the Kessler suture technique, a core suture method used to provide high tensile strength during tendon end-to-end anastomosis. Visible pathology includes a significant laceration across the base of the index finger and the distal palmar crease, with exposed underlying soft tissue and minor hemorrhage. Surgical instrumentation is present, including hypodermic needles used as temporary transfixion pins to stabilize the tendon ends and a white protective plate or background material used to isolate the surgical site. A rubber band traction system is also visible, likely part of a dynamic splinting or mobilization protocol (such as the Kleinert or Duran technique) to prevent post-operative adhesions. This visual is highly relevant for hand surgery education, specifically regarding primary flexor tendon reconstruction and intraoperative stabilization methods.

This clinical photograph demonstrates an intraoperative view of a flexor tendon repair in the hand. The patient's hand is shown in a supine position, prepared with a yellow-tinted antiseptic solution. Two surgical incisions are visible on the index finger: a proximal incision at the distal palmar crease near the metacarpophalangeal joint and a distal incision at the level of the distal interphalangeal joint. A blue-tinted 8-French (F) suction catheter is used as a conduit, passing through the tendon sheath tunnel. The proximal end of a retracted flexor tendon has been delivered through the palmar incision and is held by a 3-0 polypropylene half-modified Kessler suture, which is being threaded through the catheter. The surgical field highlights the technique for retrieving a retracted tendon and bypassing the pulley system without causing further trauma to the sheath. Forceps are used to guide the catheter and suture. The image serves as a pedagogical resource for orthopedic and hand surgeons regarding tendon reconstruction and suturing techniques.

A multi-panel educational graphic demonstrating a modified pull-out suture technique for flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) tendon repair in the hand. Panels A, B, and C provide anatomical illustrations in lateral and anterior views, while panel D is a corresponding intraoperative clinical photograph. Panel A shows the introduction of a specialized 1.4 mm suture passer through the osteofibrous tunnel and digital pulp. Panel B illustrates the retrieval of 3-0 mononylon suture ends, previously secured to the proximal FDP stump via a modified Kessler tie, being guided distally toward the fingertip. Panel C depicts the final fixation of the pull-out sutures over a protective silicone button (shield) on the digital pulp, shifting traction forces away from the primary repair site. Panel D shows the clinical application, highlighting the mid-palmar incision, the suture passer exiting the distal tip of the third finger, and the use of surgical instruments to manage the suture threads. This technique is designed for hand surgery training, emphasizing tendon gliding preservation and soft tissue protection during early mobilization.






| Technique | Strands | Best Use | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Modified Kessler | 2 | Flexor/extensor tendons, general | Locking grasp; buried knot |
| Modified Bunnell | 2 | Flexor, extensor; small tendons | Criss-cross weave; high strength |
| Modified Tsuge / Chung | 4 | Flexor tendons, active mobilization | Looped configuration; 4-strand |
| MGH / Augmented Becker | 4 | Flexor tendons | Best gap resistance |
| Winters-Gelberman | 8 | Maximum strength needed | Most strands; highest load |
| RIHM | 4 | Extensor zone 6 | Time-efficient; minimal shortening |
| Figure-of-eight | 2 | Small/flat tendons, partial cuts | Simple; fast |
| Epitendinous suture | - | All repairs (supplemental) | Always added; reduces bulk, adds strength |