Extensor tendon repair: mobilise or splint?

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to assess the static and dynamic hand therapy regimes used at Mount Vernon Hospital, following extensor tendon injury during 1995-2000 and compare them to the early active regimes published.

METHODS

Sixty-five patients were included and their hand function recorded by calculating total active motion (TAM), percentage combined motion and extensor lag at 4-6 weeks and at 10 weeks postinjury.

RESULTS

The results in two groups were good, with mean TAMs of 202 and 258 at 4-6 weeks and at 10 weeks, respectively, for the static regime and 214 and 245, respectively, for the dynamic regime, during the same time periods.

CONCLUSION

The results from each group compare favourably with the published series of patients undergoing early active motion, where mobilisation is commenced almost immediately. The authors' preference is the static regime as it is simple, effective and particularly useful in poorly compliant patients.