Comparison of Early Passive Motion and Immobilization after Flexor Tendon Repairs

Authors:
  • HCHarry Creekmore
    Harry Creekmore
  • HBHans Bellinghausen
    Hans Bellinghausen
  • VYV. Leroy Young
    V. Leroy Young
  • RWR. Christie Wray
    R. Christie Wray
  • PWPaul M. Weeks
    Paul M. Weeks
  • PGPamela Schindeler Grasse
    Pamela Schindeler Grasse
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Abstract
Flexor tendon repairs (31) in 30 patients managed by early passive motion were retrospectively compared with 31 flexor tendon repairs in 30 patients managed by 3 wk of postoperative immobilization. Repairs were performed by several surgeons, including plastic surgical residents. There were no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups comparing age, zone of injury, number of tendons repaired, nature of injury or associated injuries. No statistically significant difference was found between the 2 groups when total active and total passive range of motion were compared for repairs in zone I, zone II, zone III and IV, and all zones combined. In the early passive motion group in zone II, there were 12% excellent results, 15% good results, 23% fair results and 50% poor results. In the immobilization group, there were 18% excellent results, 8% good results, 23% fair results and 53% poor results. There was no significant difference between the 2 groups (P < 0.05).