Digital function following flexor tendon repair in Zone II: A comparison of immobilization and controlled passive motion techniques.

The performance of 50 consecutive digits in 37 patients was analyzed following flexor tendon repair in Zone II. Twenty-five digits were managed by 3 1/2 weeks of immobilization followed by a program of gradually increased motion; 25 other digits by intermittent passive motion initiated within the first 5 days with active flexion commenced at 4 1/2 weeks. Results were graded according to the percentage of return of motion at the proximal and distal interphalangeal joints. There were four ruptures in the immobilization group with no excellent results, 12% being rated good, 28% fair, and 11% poor. In the digits managed by early mobilization there were 36% excellent, 20% good, 16% fair, 24% poor; there was one rupture in this group. Early passive motion appeared to be an effective technique to improve the results of flexor tendon repairs in this area.