Postoperative Management of Flexor Tendon Repair in Zone 2.

Abstract

Rehabilitation of flexor tendons in zone 2 is very important in order to have satisfactory results after the surgical repair. This study reports the results of the rehabilitation program which was applied to 25 patients (36 digits) after zone 2 repair. A treatment approach that combines early controlled passive motion and early controlled mobilization was used. Patients were evaluated regarding the total active motion (TAM), grip strength, pinch strength, finger dexterity and the disability in daily living activities at the 24th week. TAM results were excellent in 4%, good in 68%, fair in 23% and poor in 5% of the repaired digits. Grip strength results were good in 69%. Pinch meter results were improved in 76%. Hand disability which existed in all patients before the rehabilitation program was found to appear mildly in 72% of the patients. Finger dexterity was rated normal for 64% of the group after the therapy. We conclude that zone 2 is a critical zone in flexor tendons and immediate postoperative mobilization should be allowed for minimal formation and adhesion.