Early active movement with relative motion flexion splint for the management of zone 1–2 flexor tendon repairs: Case series

ABSTRACT

Background

There is limited literature evidence on the use of relative motion flexion splint after flexor tendon repairs.

Objectives

We aimed to report the clinical use of early active movement with a relative motion flexion splint and to determine the outcomes of a consecutive series in patients with zone 1–2 flexor tendon repair.

Methods

We included 14 patients with one-stage flexor tendon repair. An active rehabilitation program was initiated in the first week with a static dorsal block splint, which was removed in the third week, and patients started to use the relative motion flexion splint. Total active motion (TAM) of the injured finger at 8, 12, and 16 weeks after surgery was assessed as described by Strickland and Glogovac.

Results

The mean TAM of the injured fingers was as follows: 102.5 ± 41.49° (25°–180°) at week 8; 123.42 ± 40.94° (45°–190°) at week 12; and 148 ± 38.18° (90°– 200°) at week 16. Final TAM grades of the patients at week 16 were as follows: excellent (six patients); good (five patients); and fair (three patients). There were no tendon ruptures and secondary surgeries.

Conclusion

Early active movement and the use of relative motion flexion splint seem to be promising strategies for flexor tendon zone 1–2 repair management.

KEYWORDS:

• Flexor tendon rehabilitation
• orthosis
• postoperative rehabilitation
• relative motion splint

Acknowledgments

We sincerely thank the individuals who participated in this study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.