Early or Delay? The Most Suitable Rehabilitation Protocol for “No Man's Land” Injury: Meta-Analysis with Trial Sequential Analysis – 20 Years Trends

Objective The aim of this study is to analyze various rehabilitation protocol and determine which methods will yield a better outcome. Methods The database reports were searched within 1990 until 2020, using PubMed, Cochrane library database, Ovid, Medline, and the other several published trials. A statistical analysis was made from Review Manager and Trial Sequential Analysis (TSA). Result The mean of re-rupture rate is 3.3% ( n = 8) in the combination protocol until 8% ( n = 48) in CAM protocol. Meta-analyses found no significant difference between Kleinert vs CAM in re-rupture rate. Also no significant difference in Duran vs CAM in rerupture rate. In Trial Sequential Analysis (TSA), the z-curve does not cross both of the trial sequential boundaries, a further trial with larger sample will be required. The TSA of flexion contracture CAM vs Kleinert was indicated that CAM protocol may be superior than Kleinert to reduce the incidence of flexion contracture. For the range of mean flexion contracture 6.6% ( n = 18) in CAM to 23.6% ( n = 76) in Kleinert protocol. Conclusion Current meta-analysis proposed that the combination technique will result less re-rupture incidence and better functional outcome in flexor zone II injuries than other techniques. The CAM method also results less flexion contracture than others. However, a further meta-analyses with larger sample trials will be required to confirm this review's conclusion.