A Combined Regimen of Controlled Motion Following Flexor Tendon Repair in “No Manʼs Land”

Abstract

A program of controlled motion following repair of flexor tendons in the hand is presented. This regimen incorporates the features of active extension against rubber band passive flexion, as well as those of controlled passive extension and passive flexion.In this prospective study, 44 digits with complete lacerations of the flexor digitorum profundus and flexor digitorum superficialis in zone 2 were treated. Using the Strickland formula⁸ of total active motion of the interphalangeal joints, 36 fingers (82 percent) were rated “excellent”; 7 fingers (16 percent) were rated “good”; 1 finger (2 percent) was rated “fair”; none was rated “poor.” There was no statistical difference between the results of delayed primary repair and immediate primary repair.