Dynamic Splinting After Extensor Tendon Repair in Zones V to VII

Abstract

This retrospective study evaluates a dynamic active motion protocol for extensor tendon repairs in zones V to VII. Fifty-eight patients with 87 extensor tendon injuries were examined. Using Geldmacher's and Kleinert and Verdan's evaluation systems, the results were graded as "excellent" and "good" in more than 94%, and as "satisfactory" in the remainder. The need for secondary tenolysis was low (6%), and no other surgical complication occurred.

Extensor Tendon Injuries

“…Subsequently, many authors retrospectively demonstrated successful outcomes using these protocols. 7,11,12,20 More recently, several studies have prospectively investigated the differences between static immobilization, early dynamic mobilization, and early active mobilization protocols.…”

Analysis of Relative Motion Splint in the Treatment of Zone VI Extensor Tendon Injuries

“…9 Chow et al 10 showed in a case-control study that 60% of the group treated with static splints suffered a measure of extensor lag or lack of flexion, whereas all patients treated with DESs had no extensor lag or loss of flexion. Other groups [11][12][13][14] have also obtained good results with the DES without clinically significant complications or repair rupture or gapping. The DES has major disadvantages, however; its construction is expensive and time consuming for therapists and patients.…”

Effect of Interleukin-10 Overexpression on the Properties of Healing Tendon in a Murine Patellar Tendon Model

“…[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10] Whereas the initial formation of scar between tendon ends provides physical continuity at the site of disruption, proliferation of scar between the tendon and adjacent tissues is undesirable because these attachments can impede the gliding mechanism of the tendon, whether sheathed or not. 11 The majority of research in the area of flexor and extensor tendon repair in the hand has focused on the development of improved suture repair techniques and the enhancement of postoperative rehabilitation protocols allowing early motion.…”

“…11 The majority of research in the area of flexor and extensor tendon repair in the hand has focused on the development of improved suture repair techniques and the enhancement of postoperative rehabilitation protocols allowing early motion. 4,5,[12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23] These improved surgical and rehabilitation methods have led to better clinical outcomes, but scarring and adhesion formation remain important complications. 1,2 Even with the best surgical techniques and the optimal therapeutic protocols, results can be unpredictable.…”