Primary mobilization after secondary flexor tendon surgery

The value of immediate postoperative mobilization after secondary repair was studied in 63 patients with 93 flexor tendons. With grafts, an essential requirement is strong fixation. Distally, the graft was carried through a canal drilled from the distal phalanx to the upper side of the nail. Proximally, Pulvertaft's technique was used. The initial aftercare was very important, and required 3 weeks stay in hospital. Mobilization was started on the first postoperative day. The operating surgeon himself supervised the daily exercise for 3 weeks, after which the patient was discharged. The end-results show that, despite what has been alleged by the critics of primary mobilization, the graft is capable of development and grows stronger with this treatment.