Range of Motion Following Flexor Tendon Repair: Comparing Active Flexion and Extension With Passive Flexion Using Rubber Bands Followed by Active Extension

Abstract

This study aimed to compare the outcome in terms of range of motion between early active flexion and extension (early active motion, [EAM]) and passive flexion using rubber bands followed by active extension (sometimes referred to as a Kleinert regimen) after flexor tendon repair in zones 1 and2. Data were collected from the Swedish national health care registry for hand surgery (HAKIR). Rehabilitation regimens were decided by the preference of each caregiver. At 3 months, 828 digits (656 EAM and 172 passive flexion) and at 12 months, 448 digits (373 EAM and 75 passive flexion) were available for analysis. Thumbs were analyzed separately. No notable difference in total active motion was found between the groups at 12 months of follow-up. This large registry study supports the hypothesis that EAM rehabilitation may not lead to better range of motion long-term than passive motion protocols. Therapeutic IV.