Does early or late motion after nerve repair alter the results in combined forearm injuries

Abstract

Objectives: To determine whether there are differences in terms of nerve repair between two different methods of rehabilitation after primary repair of combined injuries in the forearm, namely early controlled motion and immobilization for three weeks. Methods: Eleven patients (mean age 31.5 years) with combined injuries in the forearm were treated with early controlled motion after primary repair. Another group of patients (n=14, mean age 32 years) were immobilized. The mean follow-up periods were 32 months and 16.3 months, respectively. For better homogeneity in terms of nerve repair results, those below 20 years of age were not included. The results of nerve repair were evaluated using motor, sensitivity, and functional tests. In addition, the range of finger motion was measured. Results: No significant differences were found between the two groups with regard to median and ulnar nerve injuries, the number of injured tendons, the findings of motor, sensitivity, and functional tests, and the range of motion (p>0.05). Conclusion: Two different methods of rehabilitation after primary repair of combined forearm injuries, with early or late motion, give similar results with regard to nerve repair.