description Harold Kleinert Overview
Harold E. Kleinert was an American surgeon associated with Louisville, Kentucky, whose work helped establish modern hand and microsurgery. He advanced primary repair of injured flexor tendons and postoperative mobilization methods intended to preserve tendon movement while healing. Kleinert also contributed to the development of digital replantation, using microsurgical techniques to restore blood flow and function to amputated fingers.
help Harold Kleinert FAQ
What was Harold Kleinert's approach to flexor tendon injuries?
Kleinert promoted primary repair of divided flexor tendons rather than accepting permanent loss of function. His Louisville team also developed controlled postoperative mobilization methods intended to reduce adhesions.
What is the Kleinert protocol after flexor tendon repair?
The classic Kleinert method uses a protective splint and elastic traction to produce controlled passive flexion, with active extension within safe limits. It was designed to let the repaired tendon glide without exposing it to unrestricted force.
Why was early motion important after tendon repair?
A completely immobilized repaired tendon can develop adhesions that restrict finger movement. Controlled early mobilization encourages tendon gliding while attempting to protect the suture from rupture.
What role did Kleinert's Louisville center play in hand surgery?
Kleinert helped make Louisville an important center for hand trauma, microsurgery, and digit replantation. The program trained surgeons from many countries and treated complex tendon, nerve, vessel, and amputation injuries.
explore Explore More
Similar to Harold Kleinert
See all arrow_forward
Reviews & Comments
Write a Review
Be the first to review
Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.
