Modalities in prevention of flexor tendon adhesion in the hand: what have we achieved so far?

Several modifications in surgical techniques and various pharmacological and non pharmacological modalities have been introduced to prevent adhesions formation in surgery on flexor tendons of the hand. However, most studies have been carried out in animals with very few human trials. Only early postoperative rehabilitation is supported by clinical evidence, while the optimal rehabilitation protocol remains controversial. Innovations in surgical techniques and other modalities need to be tested with adequately powered human trials, before their potential benefit in clinical practice is accepted.