Biomechanical properties of an additional Massachusetts General Hospital technique to the Pulvertaft weave

Abstract

This study assessed the biomechanical properties of adding the Massachusetts General Hospital technique to the Pulvertaft weave in 36 flexor digitorum profundus tendons from fresh-frozen cadavers. Tendons were randomly divided into two groups: Pulvertaft weave alone and Pulvertaft weave with the additional technique. Biomechanical testing assessed load to failure as the primary outcome and stiffness, tensile strength, elongation at failure and failure modes were assessed as secondary outcomes. The additional technique group showed significantly higher load to failure, stiffness and tensile strength and reduced elongation at failure. Failure mode analysis revealed that the Pulvertaft weave group had only intra-construct failures, while the additional technique group showed more extra-construct failures, indicating secure construct fixation. Incorporating the Massachusetts General Hospital technique improves the biomechanical properties of tendon reconstructions without increasing bulk, offering a secure option for tendon reconstruction.