title: Gap formation after flexor tendon repair in zone II. Results with a new controlled motion programme.
abstract: Intratendinous metal markers were used to study gap formation in 36 flexor digitorum profundus repairs during and after early controlled motion with a programme combining dynamic traction and passive flexion to all four digits. The mean gap 3 weeks after operation was 2.5 mm. The mean final gap was 2.6 mm. The results of linear regression analysis showed that gap formation within the observed range from 0 to 8.5 mm did not negatively affect tendon excursions or clinical results in terms of active interphalangeal joint range of motion. These findings are in accordance with the results of a previous study of gap formation in patients treated with a modified traditional Kleinert traction programme. Together the two studies confirm that controlled motion is effective in restricting the adhesions associated with gap formation during postoperative immobilisation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics, Sahlgren Hospital, University of Göteborg, Sweden.
authors.forename: K L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Silfverskiöld
authors.forename: E J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: May
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005384:Finger Joint / Q000502:physiology; D005385:Fingers / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D015915:Motion Therapy, Continuous Passive; D009135:Muscular Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D013710:Tendons / Q000601:surgery*; D000267:Tissue Adhesions / Q000517:prevention & control