Early active mobilisation versus immobilisation after extrinsic extensor tendon repair: A prospective randomised trial

BACKGROUND: Whether to splint the extensor tendon repairs or to mobilise them early is debatable. Recently, mobilisation has shown favourable results in a few studies. This study was aimed to compare the two favoured protocols (immobilisation vs. early active motion) in Indian population. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between June 2005 and June 2007, patients with extensor tendon injuries in zones V–VIII were randomly distributed in two groups: Group A, early active motion; and group B, immobilisation. Their results at 8 and 12 weeks and 6 months were compared. RESULTS: Patients in early active motion group were found to have better total active motion and early return to work. This difference was statistically significant up to 12 weeks, but not at 6 months. CONCLUSION: Early active motion following extensor tendon repair hastens patients’ recovery and helps patients to gain complete range of motion at earlier postoperative period. With improved grip strength, the early return to work is facilitated, though these advantages are not sustained statistically significantly over long term.