title: New perspectives on extensor tendon repair and implications for rehabilitation.
abstract: This article reviews the available biomechanical and clinical studies on extensor tendon repair and postoperative management. Immobilization has been a foundation for the postoperative treatment of these injuries, with good or excellent results ranging between 54% and 95%. However, clinical outcomes have consistently improved when utilizing rehabilitation involving either dynamically assisted or active motion, with good or excellent results achieved in at least 90% of cases. In addition, available biomechanical studies concerning finger extension strength, tendon repair strength, tendon shortening, resultant loss of motion, and gliding capability have validated controlled motion as biomechanically sound utilizing contemporary repair techniques.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington 06034, USA. newport@nso.uchc.edu
authors.forename: Mary Lynn
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Newport
authors.forename: Robert L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Tucker
mesh_terms: D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D005383:Finger Injuries / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D013165:Splints; D013536:Suture Techniques; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000628:therapy*; D013710:Tendons / Q000601:surgery*; D013718:Tensile Strength