Early postoperative mobilization of flexor tendon injuries using a modification of the Kleinert technique

The results of 99 flexor tendon repairs in all zones of injury in 36 patients are reported. Both superficialis and profundus tendons were repaired in all cases. Postoperatively patients were managed by an immediate active extension program using a modification of the Kleinert technique and physiotherapy. Results of the study are based on the Buck-Gramcko system of evaluation of flexor tendon repair. In the 70 digits that underwent operations, the results were excellent in 31% of the cases, good in 30%, fair in 20%, and poor in 19% of the cases. There were two tendon ruptures. This study corroborates evidence that early mobilization and hand therapy appear to play an important part in the postoperative management of flexor tendon injuries.