title: Relative active motion programs following extensor tendon repair: A pilot study using a prospective cohort and evaluating outcomes following orthotic interventions.
abstract: METHODS
  Prospective cohort.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  The Immediate Controlled Active Motion program, used to manage extensor tendon repairs in the hand, immobilizes the wrist in an orthosis with the affected finger(s) placed in a separate yoke orthosis allowing controlled flexion.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To compare our outcomes using similar programs in patients with simple extensor tendon lacerations to those previously reported. To compare our 4-week orthotic intervention to our 6-week orthotic intervention.
  
  
  METHODS
  18 subjects received a 4-week orthotic intervention, 45 subjects received a 6-week orthotic intervention. Range of motion was measured 4, 6 and 8 weeks post-repair, grip strength at 6 and 8 weeks, and patient-rated outcomes at baseline, 6 and 12 weeks post-repair.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Significant improvements in all outcomes were seen over time (p < 0.0001), with no significant differences between programs.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Outcomes were comparable with those previously published and similar between the 4-week and 6-week orthotic interventions.
  
  
  METHODS
  III.
authors.affiliation: Occupational Therapy Department, Royal Adelaide Hospital, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia.
authors.forename: Birgit
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Svens
authors.affiliation: Occupational Therapy Department, Royal Adelaide Hospital, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia. Electronic address: erica.ames@health.sa.gov.au.
authors.forename: Erica
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Ames
authors.affiliation: Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Department, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia.
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Burford
authors.affiliation: Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Department, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia.
authors.forename: Yugesh
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Caplash
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D006230:Hand Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000628:therapy*; D018737:Hand Strength; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D009989:Orthotic Devices; D010865:Pilot Projects; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000628:therapy*; D013710:Tendons / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014954:Wrist Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000628:therapy*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Extensor tendon injury; Finger; Immediate; Orthoses; Relative active motion; Tenorrhaphy