Work

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

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: PURPOSE: 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 and 2. METHODS: 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. RESULTS: No notable difference in total active motion was found between the groups at 12 months of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: This large registry study supports the hypothesis that EAM rehabilitation may not lead to better range of motion long-term than passive motion protocols. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Source: The Journal Of Hand Surgery

DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2024.08.003

Authors: Markus Renberg, Jonas Svingen, Marianne Arner, Simon Farnebo

Institutions: Linköping University, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm South General Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation

Subfield: Surgery

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,450