Iraqi Postgraduate Medical Journal

Abstract

ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND:
Extensor tendon injuries are relatively common. The thin overlying skin makes the tendons vulnerable to sharp injuries. Yet tendon adhesions during the healing phase is a frequent outcome, it might limit the full recovery of the patient.
OBJECTIVE:
This prospective clinical study was done to evaluate the postoperative protocol of early active mobilization using simple, easy to made static splint. It provides the surgeon with guidelines to treat patients with extensor tendons injuries. It helps the patients to attain best results and least complications.
PATIENTS AND METHODS:
In this prospective study 27 cases of fresh injury of extensor tendon at zone V to VII were treated with primary repair (within 24 hour) or delayed primary in the Medical City teaching complex between March 2009 to March 2011. A protocol of early active mobilization was undertaken, using an easy to follow rehabilitation plan.
RESULTS:
Twenty seven patients included in this study, with age ranging between 20 – 60 years. All were assessed according to the Dargon criteria at the sixth postoperative week. The most common injury was caused by glass 74%. Patients were followed up to one year, and 63% of the patients had excellent RESULTS:
The most common complication was tendon rupture in 4 cases, 14.7%.
CONCLUSION:
The early mobilization of repaired extensor tendon reduces the formation of adhesion as compared to rigid immobilization. We recommend the use of this protocol following extensor tendon repair in the hand at zone V, VI, and VII in cooperative patient .It will give fairly acceptable results.