Effect of Dynamic Hand Splint on Hand ROM Post Extensor Tendon Repair

Cairo University (CU)

Status: Completed

Conditions: Range of Motion; Extensor Tendons of Finger Anomalies; Splints

Treatments: Other: traditional treatment (first stage); Other: customized dynamic hand splint; Other: traditional treatment (second and third stage)

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07290348

Magdy-MSc

Details and patient eligibility

About

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of dynamic hand splint on hand range of motion following extensor tendon repair.

Full description

The extensor muscles to the digits are weaker; their capacity for work and their amplitude of glide are less than those of their flexor antagonists, yet they require a latitude of motion that is not necessary for flexor function. Extensor tendons are thinner and broader than flexor tendons. They are superficial in comparison with the flexor tendons, allowing adhesion to the fascial layers and skin. They have a broad tendon-to-bone interface that can result in dense adhesions. Shortening of the extensor tendon because of surgery may result in difficulty regaining full flexion. Dorsal swelling may prevent the tendons from gliding. Recreating the normal balance between intrinsic and extrinsic muscle/tendon units can be a challenging task for surgeons and therapists following extensor tendon injury. Common functional complications include loss of flexion, extensor lag, and decreased grip strength. To prevent these complications, extensor tendon approaches, similar to flexor tendon approaches, have evolved to include controlled passive and active mobilization using a dynamic splint immediately following surgery

Enrollment: 40 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 20 to 40 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Patients are both males and females.
• Their age will be in the range of 20-40 years.
• All patients suffering from extensor tendon injuries in zone 5 or 6.
• All patients undergo extensor tendon repair surgery.
• All patients will begin the treatment program from the third week post-operative.
• All patients enrolled in the study will have their informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

• The potential participants will be excluded if they meet one of the following criteria:
• Patients with associated diseases (diabetes mellitus, infectious diseases, autoimmune disease) that will interfere with the healing process.
• Patients taking medication that alters the healing process (e.g., corticosteroids, chemotherapy, or radiation).
• Pregnancy or epilepsy.
• Elderly patients.
• Skin disease.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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40 participants in 2 patient groups

dynamic hand splint

Experimental group

Description:

This group included 20 patients suffering from cuts of the extensor tendon of their hand in zone 5 or 6 and underwent tendon repair surgery in this study. They wear a dynamic hand splint after 3 weeks post-operative for 2 months in addition to their conventional medical treatment and traditional care (dressing).

Treatment:

Other: traditional treatment (second and third stage)

Other: customized dynamic hand splint

Other: traditional treatment (first stage)

conventional medical treatment

Active Comparator group

Description:

This group included 20 patients suffering from cuts of the extensor tendon of their hand in zone 5 or 6 and underwent tendon repair surgery in this study. They, without wearing a dynamic hand splint, received their conventional medical treatment and traditional care (dressing).

Treatment:

Other: traditional treatment (second and third stage)

Other: traditional treatment (first stage)