title: A prospective, controlled, randomized trial comparing early active extension with passive extension using a dynamic splint in the rehabilitation of repaired extensor tendons.
abstract: This prospective, randomized, controlled trial compared two methods of rehabilitating extensor tendon repairs in zones IV-VIII. Group A patients followed an early active mobilization regimen and Group B patients followed a dynamic splintage regimen. Data on 19 patients in Group A and 17 patients in Group B were collected at 4 weeks and at final follow-up (3 months median follow-up for both groups). Extension lag, flexion deficit and total active motion (TAM) were measured. At 4 weeks, patients in Group B had a better TAM (median 87%, range 56-102%) compared to patients in Group A (median 77%, range 52-97%). At final follow-up, there were no significant differences in the results of the two groups. There were no ruptures in either group.
authors.affiliation: West Midlands Regional Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Unit, Wordsley Hospital, Stream Road, West Midlands, Stourbridge, UK. Darren_chester@hotmail.com
authors.forename: D L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Chester
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Beale
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Beveridge
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Nancarrow
authors.forename: O G
authors.initials: OG
authors.lastname: Titley
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005383:Finger Injuries / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009068:Movement; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013165:Splints; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000628:therapy*; D013997:Time Factors