[Rehabilitation protocols after repairs of zone 2 of the flexor tendon of the hand: presentation and indications].
We report the results of a retrospective study of 47 adult patients corresponding to 54 fingers, operated on in the emergency room at Nancy University Hospital between December 1996 and October 1998. These patients were managed using three different postoperative therapy protocols: passive mobilisation according to the Duran technique, active-passive mobilisation according to the Kleinert technique and immediate active mobilisation as described by Strickland. Patients were evaluated in three different ways; active range of movement obtained according to the Strickland scale, the "400 points" flexor function test and the delay in returning to work. Combining all three evaluations showed a 65% rate of satisfactory results, 22% fair and bad results and 13% ruptures. Analysis according to the re-education technique showed a strong superiority of the Strickland protocol. This now needs to be confirmed by a more extensive prospective study. Delay before return to work is not affected by the type or re-education technique chosen, but side-effects are less frequent with the Strickland method. A result in terms of range of active movement alone did not fully evaluate the result of a flexor tendon repair: functional testing was better at this end and the global "400" points test score gave more useful information than each of its component tests taken individually (Purdue pegboard, Minnesota test, Box and Block). Functional testing seemed more helpful in guiding the medical team in its treatment strategy.
Chambon
X
X
Institut régional de réadaptation, (IRR), 34, rue Lionnois, Nancy, France.
Paysant
J
J
Gavillot
C
C
Petry
D
D
André
J M
JM
Dap
F
F
Dautel
G
G
Merle
M
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004651:Employment; D005260:Female; D005383:Finger Injuries / Q000473:pathology / Q000534:rehabilitation* / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013708:Tendon Injuries; D013710:Tendons / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome