Purpose
Mobilization after flexor tendon repair in fingers has been a subject of debate for
several years. Many hand surgery clinics have turned to early active mobilization.
However, there is no strong scientific evidence suggesting that early active mobilization
produces a better range of motion (ROM) than the Kleinert regimen when place and hold
is added. Therefore, the purpose of this prospective randomized trial was to investigate
whether active mobilization is superior to passive mobilization with place and hold
after flexor tendon repair in the fingers. Our hypothesis was that patients who follow
the active mobilization protocol have a better ROM than those who follow the passive
protocol with place and hold.
Methods
Sixty-four patients with a flexor tendon injury in zone I or II were included. After
surgery, randomization to undergo either active mobilization or passive mobilization
with place and hold was performed. The patients were followed-up for 12 months using
outcome measurements, including ROM, strength, rupture frequency, Disabilities of
the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score, ABILHAND questionnaire, and performance on the Purdue
Pegboard test.
Results
We were unable to find any significant difference between the 2 groups for any of
the outcome measurements, ROM, grip strength, key pinch, rupture frequency, Disabilities
of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score, ABILHAND questionnaire, and performance on the
Purdue Pegboard test.
Conclusions
The outcomes were equivalent for both the mobilization groups.
Type of study/level of evidence
Therapeutic I.
Key words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: February 18, 2022
Accepted:
November 17,
2021
Received:
February 15,
2021
Footnotes
No benefits in any form have been received or will be received related directly or indirectly to the subject of this article.
This study was supported by Sahlgrenska University Hospital.
Identification
Copyright
© 2022 by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand. All rights reserved.
