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Related Experiment Videos

Early active motion flexor tendon protocol using one splint.

Linda Klein1

  • 1Hand Surgery, Ltd., Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226, USA. lkcht@usa.net

Journal of Hand Therapy : Official Journal of the American Society of Hand Therapists
|August 29, 2003
PubMed
Summary

This study presents an early active motion protocol for flexor tendon repair, showing 95% excellent/good results in zone II. This approach facilitates home-based exercises for improved patient outcomes.

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Area of Science:

  • Orthopedics
  • Hand Surgery
  • Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

  • Flexor tendon injuries require careful rehabilitation to restore function.
  • Early active motion protocols can improve outcomes after surgical repair.
  • Standard protocols may involve complex splinting or limited patient participation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe and evaluate an early active motion protocol for four-strand flexor tendon repair.
  • To assess the efficacy of a simple dorsal blocking splint with rubber band traction.
  • To determine functional outcomes using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) scale.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective chart review of 40 digits following four-strand flexor tendon repair.
  • Implementation of a protocol involving a dorsal blocking splint and rubber band traction for 5 weeks, followed by gradual advancement.

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  • Home-based exercises performed by patients without splint changes during the initial 5 weeks.

    • Main Results:

    • 95% of digits in zone II achieved excellent or good results.
    • 87.5% of digits in zones I, II, and III showed excellent or good outcomes.
    • A single rupture (2.5%) occurred in a noncompliant patient.
    • DASH scores indicated favorable functional outcomes: 7.82 (physical function/symptoms), 16.07 (sports/performing arts), and 10.23 (work).

    Conclusions:

    • The described early active motion protocol is effective and promising for flexor tendon repair.
    • The use of a simple, home-friendly splinting method contributes to positive functional recovery.
    • High rates of excellent and good results suggest this protocol is a valuable option for hand surgery rehabilitation.