Document Type

Capstone

Abstract

Flexor tendon injuries are relative)y rare, occurring in 7.0/100,000 people. An early active motion or early passive motion protocol have been the two primary methods used by occupational therapists for rehabilitation of a flex or tendon repair. Each of these methods have their own strengths and weaknesses, but the intervention that leads to a better outcome while maintaining integrity of the flexor tendon repair was researched. Common complications that occur during the rehabilitation of a flex or tendon that can affect the integrity of the repair included tendon lag, scar adhesions, tendon rupture, and joint contracture. Research focused on the comparison of early active motion versus early passive motion protocols resulted in the early active motion rehabilitation method displaying better outcomes while maintaining the integrity of the repair. The early active motion protocol resulted in greater total range of motion and patient satisfaction while having a smaller percentage of scar adhesions and joint contractures. In addition to this, hand therapists indicated that they utilize a combination of these protocols and acknowledge the benefits of an early active motion approach. They also noted that collaboration with referring surgeons is important because they have final say in which protocol to use. This Capstone project led to the development of a website noting that the early active motion protocol results in better outcomes following a flexor tendon repair. A flexor tendon repair intervention protocol with the progression of exercises for the early active motion rehabilitation method is included on the website.

Publication Date

4-12-2021

Download

Share

COinS