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Pulvertaft weave

High YieldHand & WristthinKbox SBA

Definition

A method of tendon attachment widely used in tendon transfer and tendon grafting.

Technique

  • Slits are made in the recipient tendon
  • The donor tendon is woven through these slits in alternating directions
  • The construct is secured with non-absorbable sutures

Advantages

  • Strong tendon-to-tendon fixation
  • Good surface contact
  • Allows controlled tensioning

Principles

  • Use healthy tendon ends
  • Ensure correct line of pull
  • Tension the transfer appropriately before final suturing
  • Avoid excessive bulk that impedes gliding

Diagram

Pulvertaft weave

Written/reviewed by Kishore Puthezhath

Professor of Orthopaedics and Consultant Paediatric Orthopaedic Surgeon

FRCS (Tr & Orth) revision resource

Reviewed: September 2026