A randomized clinical trial comparing early active motion programs: Earlier hand function,TAM, and orthotic satisfaction with a relative motion extension program for zones V and VI extensor tendon repairs

Study DesignRandomized clinical trial with parallel groups.IntroductionEarly active mobilization programs are used after zones V and VI extensor tendon repairs; two programs used are relative motion extension (RME) orthosis and controlled active motion (CAM). Although no comparative studies exist, use of the RME orthosis has been reported to support earlier hand function.Purpose of the StudyThis randomized clinical trial investigated whether patients managed with an RME program would recover hand function earlier postoperatively than those managed with a CAM program.MethodsForty-two participants with zones V-VI extensor tendon repairs were randomized into either a CAM or RME program. The Sollerman Hand Function Test (SHFT) was the primary outcome measure of hand function. Days to return to work, QuickDASH (Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand) questionnaire, total active motion (TAM), grip strength, and patient satisfaction were the secondary measures of outcome.ResultsThe RME group demonstrated better results at four weeks for the SHFT score (P = .0073; 95% CI: −10.9, −1.8), QuickDASH score (P = .05; 95% CI: −0.05, 19.5), and TAM (P = .008; 95% CI: −65.4, −10.6). Days to return to work were similar between groups (P = .77; 95% CI: −28.1, 36.1). RME participants were more satisfied with the orthosis (P < .0001; 95% CI: 3.5, 8.4). No tendon ruptures occurred.DiscussionParticipants managed using an RME program, and RME finger orthosis demonstrated significantly better early hand function, TAM, and orthosis satisfaction than those managed by the CAM program using a static wrist-hand-finger orthosis. This is likely due to the less restrictive design of the RME orthosis.ConclusionsThe RME program supports safe earlier recovery of hand function and motion when compared to a CAM program following repair of zones V and VI extensor tendons.     

Treatment of a zone III extensor tendon injury using a single relative motion with dorsal hood orthosis and a modified short arc motion protocol—A case report

Study DesignCase report.IntroductionZone III extensor tendon injuries are typically treated with early mobilization or by a period of immobilization followed by gradual motion. In both scenarios, the use of multiple orthoses is required.Purpose of the studyThis case report examines the effective use of a single, modified relative motion orthosis throughout the protected rehabilitation phase after a zone III extensor tendon repair.MethodsA patient with extensor tendon zone III laceration to his index finger (10th revision of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems s66.328) was treated using a single, relative motion with dorsal hood orthosis. The exercise protocol followed a modified immediate short arc motion program.ResultsFollowing laceration and complete rupture of the central slip, the patient regained full range of motion, strength, and function.DiscussionIt is becoming more common to use a relative motion flexion (RMF) orthosis to correct or improve extensor lag due to boutonniere deformity or stiffness after finger fractures. There is very little literature to support the use of the RMF orthosis after zone III extensor tendon repair. To produce a single orthosis that is useful through the entire protected phase of rehabilitation, the RMF orthosis is easily modified by addding a dorsal hood to create the relative motion dorsal hood orthosis (RMDH).ConclusionOur case report shows the successful treatment of a zone III extensor tendon repair using a single relative motion with dorsal hood orthosis and early active motion throughout the entire protected phase of rehabilitation.     

Open minimally invasive Achilles tendon repair with early rehabilitation: Functional results of 25 consecutive patients

Background

Various treatment techniques have been described for the treatment of acute Achilles tendon rupture. However, there is no consensus among orthopaedic surgeons regarding the surgical technique and the postoperative rehabilitation program. Mid-term functional outcome results of the patients who had undergone open minimally invasive repair of fresh Achilles tendon ruptures followed by an early rehabilitation programme were evaluated.

Methods

Twenty-five consecutive patients who underwent open minimally invasive repair of Achiles tendon ruptures during January 2004-October 2005 were independently reviewed at an average follow-up of 34 months (range 24-45 months). The mean age of the patients was 41 (35-47). A functional rehabilitation protocol based on early range of motion exercises was used after surgery. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score was used to evaluate the outcomes of the patients. Ankle range of motion; thigh, calf and ankle circumferences of the injured leg and the contralateral side, return to work and sports activities time were evaluated.

Results

One patient had a partial rerupture and one had superficial wound infection. The mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score was 93 (80-100). Patients returned to work at 3 weeks (range 1-5 weeks) and to preinjury sportive activities at 3 months (range 2-4 months). Ankle ROM and circumference measurements did not reveal a significant difference between the two sides.

Conclusion

These results suggest that open minimally invasive Achilles tendon repair and an early rehabilitation programme provides satisfactory results with early return to previous functional status with low complication rates.     

Rehabilitation Regimens Following Surgical Repair of Extensor Tendon Injuries of the Hand—A Systematic Review of Controlled Trials

There is no consensus on the most effective rehabilitation regimen following extensor tendon repair of the hand. This systematic review evaluates the outcomes of the various regimens. The Cochrane, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, AMED, PEDro, OTseeker databases were searched for any prospective randomised clinical trials comparing rehabilitation regimens for acute extensor tendon injuries in adults. Five papers met the inclusion criteria. The regimens were static immobilisation, dynamic splinting and early active motion (EAM). There was no standard format of reporting. The sample size ranged from 27 to 100 patients. The duration of follow-up ranged from 8 to 24 weeks. Overall, patients’ total active motion improved with time. Early mobilisation regimens (active and passive) achieve quicker recovery of motion than static immobilisation but the long-term outcome appears similar. Given the comparable outcomes between dynamic splinting and EAM, we therefore favour EAM which is simpler and more convenient.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s12593-012-0075-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Use of a relative motion flexion orthosis for postoperative management of zone I/II flexor digitorum profundus repair: A retrospective consecutive case series

Study DesignA retrospective, single-center, consecutive case series.IntroductionIn concept, a relative motion flexion (RMF) orthosis will induce a “quadriga effect” on a given flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) tendon, limiting its excursion and force of flexion while still permitting a wide range of finger motion. This effect can be exploited in the rehabilitation of zone I and II FDP repairs.Purpose of the StudyTo describe the use of RMF orthoses to manage zone I and II FDP 4-strand repairs.MethodsMedical record review of 10 consecutive zone I and II FDP tendon repairs managed with RMF orthosis for 8 to 10 weeks in combination with a static dorsal blocking or wrist orthosis for the initial 3 weeks.ResultsIndications included sharp lacerations (n = 6), ragged lacerations (n = 2), staged flexor tendon reconstruction (n = 1), and type IV avulsion (n = 1). In 8 of the 10 cases that completed follow-up, the mean arc of proximal interphalangeal/distal interphalangeal active motion were as follows: sharp, 0° to 106°/0° to 75°; ragged, 0° to 90°/0° to 25°; reconstruction, 0° to 90°/10° to 45°; and avulsion, 0° to 95°/0° to 20°. Grip performance available for 6 of 10 cases was 62% to 108% of the dominant hand. There were no tendon ruptures, secondary surgeries, or proximal interphalangeal joint contractures.ConclusionBased on this small series, the RMF approach appears to be safe and effective. It can lead to similar mobility and functional recovery as other early active motion protocols, with certain practical advantages and without major complications. Further investigation with larger, multicenter, prospective, longitudinal cohorts and/or randomized clinical trials is necessary.     

Acute distal biceps tendon rupture--a new surgical technique using a de-tensioning suture to brachialis

Acute distal biceps rupture is a devastating injury in the young athlete and surgical repair offers the only chance of a full recovery. We report a new surgical technique used in 14 cases of acute distal tendon rupture in which the 'suture anchor technique' and a de-tensioning suture was employed. In this procedure the distal end of the biceps is re-attached to the radial tuberosity using a sliding whip stitch suture and the proximal part of the distal tendon repair attached to the underlying brachialis muscle with absorbable sutures. This restores correct anatomical alignment and isometric pull on the distal tendon and de-tensions the repair in the early post-operative period, allowing early rehabilitation and an early return to activity. In all cases patients regained a full pre-injury level of sporting activity at a mean period of 6.2 months (2-9 months).     

Clinical Results of Flexor Tendon Repair in Zone II Using a six Strand Double Loop Technique

The purpose of this study is to report the clinical results after repair of flexor tendon zone II injuries utilizing a 6-strand double-loop technique and early post-operative active rehabilitation. We retrospectively reviewed 22 patients involving 51 cases with zone II flexor tendon repair using a six strand double loop technique from September 1996 to December 2012. Most common mechanism of injuries was sharp lacerations (86.5 %). Tendon injuries occurred equally in manual and non-manual workers and were work-related in 33 % of the cases. The Strickland score for active range of motion (ROM) postoperatively was excellent and good in the majority of the cases (81 %). The rupture rate was 1.9 %. The six strand double loop technique for Zone II flexor tendon repair leads to good and excellent motion in the majority of patients and low re- rupture rate. It is clinically effective and allows for early postoperative active rehabilitation.     

屈指肌腱术后早期活动与康复

目的 探讨屈批肌腱修复术后早期功能锻炼的方法与意义。方法 对116例（286指）无合并骨折的屈指肌腱断裂给予修复,术后3日起开始被动屈曲并以辅以主动伸指练习,幅度循序渐进,4周后开始非辅助性训练,并依次给予音频、超短波及蜡疗等理疗;出院后每周随访1次,继续指导患者功能锻炼。结果 随访97例（249指）,时间6－18个月,采用TAM评定患指功能,优192指（77．1％）,良25指（10．0％）,可15指（6．0％）,差17指（6．8％）。结论 腱周粘连在肌腱修复过程中不可避免,早期活动促进形成非限制性粘连,增加修复腱在腱鞘内滑动度,早期恢复腱强度;早期活动宜从术后第3天开始。     

Long term results of acute Achilles repair with triple-bundle technique and early rehabilitation protocol

Background

The best treatment for acute rupture of the Achilles tendon is still under debate. Our purpose was to evaluate surgical triple-bundle technique in selected patients with full subcutaneous rupture of Achilles tendon.

Methods

Sixty-six consecutive patients (56 men, 10 women; age range 20–61 years) with full unilateral rupture of the Achilles tendon were surgically treated by the triple-bundle technique. Seventy-four percent of the lesions occurred during sport activity. Each patient was assessed by: (1) The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score; (2) the Leppilahti score; (3) the range of movement measurement of ankle joint; (4) ipsilateral thigh, calf, and ankle circumferences compared to the contralateral limb; (5) functional evaluation with isokinetic dynamometry of both limbs.

Results

80.3% of the patients were fully satisfied (AOFAS ≥90) with treatment and resumed their previous level of sport. Concerning the outcomes, (1) the mean AOFAS score at 36 months was 93.9; (2) the mean Leppilahti score at 36 months was 91.8; (3) the mean difference in dorsiflexion and plantarflexion between the healthy side and the operated side was 4.3° and 6.9°, respectively. We observed calf muscle hypotrophy in two cases and scar complication in one. No re-ruptures occurred. Isokinetic tests performed 36 months after surgery showed a good restoration of plantarflexion. At univariate analysis AOFAS was influenced by age and difference between the healthy side and the operated side in dorsiflexion, plantarflexion, and circumference at all three levels and strenght at 60°/s. At univariate analysis, Leppilahti score confirmed the significant parameters of the AOFAS with the exception of age and difference of thigh circumference. The only predictive parameters in multivariate analysis were dorsiflexion difference (O.R. = 0.831; 95% C.I. 0.694–0.995; p = 0.044) and plantarflexion difference (O.R. = 0.777; 95% C.I. 0.631–0.958; p = 0.018).

Conclusion

In this case series the triple-bundle technique showed a low rate of complications and good functional restore tested with isokinetic tests. For these reasons afforded by biomechanical strength test reported in literature, this technique has to be considered a valid choice for the treatment of Achilles tendon rupture in young patients with a high level of sport activity.     

下肢骨折伴肌腱修复术后的系统康复治疗的疗效观察

目的:探讨下肢骨折伴肌腱修复术后康复程序康复效果.方法:利用康复评定系统,根据不同部位的肌腱损伤制定不同的康复程序,对30例下肢骨折伴肌腱修复术后膝关节为主僵硬生活不便的患者进行系统康复治疗.结果:下肢股四头肌和胫前肌肌力增加提高率达75％和68％,大腿和小腿围增粗提高率达65％和69％,膝关节活动范围增大提高率达82％和91％,下肢长度增长提高率达71％,日常生活能力提高率达87％.结论:下肢骨折伴肌腱修复术后制定个体化康复程序,早期主动和被动运动以及加强肌肉后负荷运动,可以明显改善患者下肢功能.     

Zone 2 flexor tendon injuries: Venturing into the no man's land

Flexor tendon injuries are seen commonly yet the management protocols are still widely debated. The advances in suture techniques, better understanding of the tendon morphology and its biomechanics have resulted in better outcomes. There has been a trend toward the active mobilization protocols with development of multistrand core suture techniques. Zone 2 injuries remain an enigma for the hand surgeons even today but the outcome results have definitely improved. Biomolecular modulation of tendon repair and tissue engineering are now the upcoming fields for future research. This review article focuses on the current concepts in the management of flexor tendon injuries in zone 2.     

早期控制被动活动对游离肌腱移植的影响

用兔进行游离肌腱移植术后早期拉制被动活动和固定的对比研究,包括移植腱的营养与成活,腱的愈合机制,粘连和吻合处抗破裂力量。结果表明:早期控制被动活动对腱的成活及愈合方式无影响,但可使腱周粘连疏松、腱表面血管纵形排列,有利于肌腱滑动,可促进胶原合成和增加吻合处抗破裂力量。