Active mobilisation after flexor tendon repair: comparison of results following injuries in zone 2 and other zones

Abstract

PURPOSE: To prospectively study the role of active mobilisation after flexor tendon repair. METHODS: The standard modified Kessler's technique was used to repair 46 digits in 32 patients with flexor tendon injuries. Early active mobilisation of the repaired digit was commenced on the third postoperative day. Range of movement was monitored and recovery from injury in zone 2 was compared with injury in other zones. RESULTS: There were 24 and 22 injuries in zone 2 and other zones respectively. The total active motion score of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand was measured. Patients with zone-2 injuries achieved similar results to those with other-zone injuries apart from a 3-week delay in recovery. The final results were good to excellent in 71% and 77% of zone-2 and other-zone cases respectively (p < 0.05). There were 2 ruptures in zone-2 and one rupture in zone-3 repairs (6.5%). CONCLUSION: Preliminary results of this study showed that active mobilisation following flexor tendon repair provides comparable clinical results and is as safe as conventional mobilisation programmes although recovery in patients with zone-2 injury was delayed.