title: Long term outcome of early active mobilization following flexor tendon repair in zone 2.
abstract: We reviewed 34 patients with 65 zone 2 flexor tendon injuries in 39 digits whose outcome had been prospectively studied in an earlier investigation at a mean of 10.6 years after repair. Grip strength was assessed using a Jamar dynamometer. Outcome of grip strength in relation to normal data indicated an excellent or good outcome in 94% of patients, fair in 3% and poor in 3%. Using the grading system recommended by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand, the active range of motion was graded as excellent or good in 75% of digits, fair in 15% and poor in 10%. These results compare favourably with those of the original study with 5/39 of digits showing an improvement from good to excellent. Sixteen of the 34 of patients continued to suffer from cold sensitivity.
authors.affiliation: Northern Ireland Plastic and Maxillofacial Service, Dundonald, Belfast.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Riaz
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Hill
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Khan
authors.forename: J O
authors.initials: JO
authors.lastname: Small
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003080:Cold Temperature; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D005383:Finger Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005384:Finger Joint / Q000503:physiopathology; D018737:Hand Strength; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome