The epidemiology of reoperation after flexor tendon repair

Purpose: To describe the incidence of reoperation and the demographic factors that may be associated with reoperation after flexor tendon repair. Methods: Using a New York statewide hospital administrative database covering an 8-year period, we examined unique patient discharges with an index procedure of flexor tendon repair for reoperation (re-repair or tenolysis). We compared the age, sex, race, and insurance type by reoperation status using standard univariate statistics and multivariate regression analysis. We performed trend analysis using the Cochran-Armitage trend test. Results: From 1998 to 2005, there were 5,229 flexor tendon repairs with a frequency of reoperation of 6%; of these, 91% were in the first year after the primary procedure. Those who underwent reoperation were significantly older than those who did not undergo reoperation. Patients with workers' compensation were 63% more likely to undergo reoperation than those with other forms of insurance. Patients who had concomitant nerve repair during the index procedure were 26% less likely to undergo reoperation. The rate of reoperation did not change during the study period. Conclusions: These results may be useful in shaping research agendas to evaluate sociodemographic factors contributing to reoperations. Type of study/level of evidence: Prognostic II.