Long term outcome of early active mobilization following flexor tendon repair in zone 2.

We reviewed 34 patients with 65 zone 2 flexor tendon injuries in 39 digits whose outcome had been prospectively studied in an earlier investigation at a mean of 10.6 years after repair. Grip strength was assessed using a Jamar dynamometer. Outcome of grip strength in relation to normal data indicated an excellent or good outcome in 94% of patients, fair in 3% and poor in 3%. Using the grading system recommended by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand, the active range of motion was graded as excellent or good in 75% of digits, fair in 15% and poor in 10%. These results compare favourably with those of the original study with 5/39 of digits showing an improvement from good to excellent. Sixteen of the 34 of patients continued to suffer from cold sensitivity.