Comparative study between early mobilizations vs late mobilization after flexor tendon repair in the hand

Abstract

Objective The aim was to study the different types of mobilization after flexor tendon repair and their effect on the prognosis of healing and rehabilitation. Background Tendon injuries are the second most common hand injury type. Most tendon injuries require surgical repair and rehabilitation to restore hand function. Postsurgical rehabilitation improves the functions and outcomes and is an essential step in managing repaired tendons. Patients and methods The study included 60 patients after repair of flexor tendons in the hand, who were divided into early, intermediate, and late groups as A, B, and C, respectively (randomized controlled clinical trial). To clarify the timing distribution of rehabilitation after tendon repair, the authors subdivided the patients into three groups: early rehabilitation ( 6 weeks) after tendon repair. The period selection ( 6 week) was based on the physiology of tendon healing. The resurgery rate and the use of rehabilitation resources after tendon repair were calculated. Complications were studied and compared (reduced range of finger movement, rupture of the repair, and flexor tendon adhesion). Results The resurgery rate was highest (12.08%) in those commencing rehabilitation more than 6 weeks after tendon repair, and lowest (3.81%) in those commencing it within 1 week. Patients in the early rehabilitation group required fewer rehabilitation sessions (median: 11.5 sessions) than did those in the intermediate (29 sessions) and late (33 sessions) rehabilitation groups. Conclusion The early rehabilitation group exhibited the lowest resurgery rate and used the fewest rehabilitation resources. Compared with late rehabilitation, early or intermediate rehabilitation conferred protective effects against resurgery and fewer complications.