A Prospective, Controlled, Randomized Trial Comparing Early Active Extension with Passive Extension Using a Dynamic Splint in the Rehabilitation of Repaired Extensor Tendons

Abstract

This prospective, randomized, controlled trial compared two methods of rehabilitating extensor tendon repairs in zones IV–VIII. Group A patients followed an early active mobilization regimen and Group B patients followed a dynamic splintage regimen. Data on 19 patients in Group A and 17 patients in Group B were collected at 4 weeks and at final follow-up (3 months median follow-up for both groups). Extension lag, flexion deficit and total active motion (TAM) were measured. At 4 weeks, patients in Group B had a better TAM (median 87%, range 56–102%) compared to patients in Group A (median 77%, range 52–97%). At final follow-up, there were no significant differences in the results of the two groups. There were no ruptures in either group.