ROLE OF EARLY PHYSIOTHERAPY IN FLEXOR TENDON INJURY

Abstract

INTRODUCTION Flexor tendon injuries are underestimated considering their anatomical function in the hand. Primary suturing of the exor tendon combined with immediate postoperative physiotherapy in terms of ''Early Passive Movement'' became the standard form of therapy following acute exor tendon injuries of the hand. In a study between 2019 and 2021, a total of 75 exor tendonMATERIALS AND METHODS injuries were analysed retrospectively. All patients were treated using a two-strand repair technique according to Modied Kessler. They received physiotherapy from the rst postoperative day according to the occupational rehabilitation protocol. For statistical purposes, the factors: age, gender, range of motion (ROM), follow up interval, affected exor tendon and zone were analysed. The time between injury and surgery was also determined, classied into groups and included in the study. The mean follow-up interval was 6 months. Complications occurred in 5 %RESULTS like secondary rupture (2 %), tendon adhaesions requiring tenolysis (3 %) and infection (1 %). The time interval between injury and operation, gender, affected zone, exor tendon and affected nger nerve had no inuence on outcome. Using modied kessler's core sutureCONCLUSIONS technique as the primary treatment, combined with immediate postoperative physiotherapy in terms of ''Early Passive Movement'' according to the occupational exor tendon rehabilitation program, an excellent clinical outcome and low complication rate was achieved.