A comparison of post-operative mobilization of flexor tendon repairs with "passive flexion-active extension" and "controlled active motion" techniques.

We report a comparative study of the outcome of flexor tendon repairs mobilized by either a "passive flexion-active extension" or a "controlled active motion" regimen. We show that the controlled active motion regimen conferred significant benefits on the final range of motion and extensor lag. The rupture rate was raised with "controlled active motion" but this was not greater than levels reported by other authors using "passive flexion-active extension" regimens.