[Hand function after surgery for flexor tendon injuries]

Abstract

Background: Flexor tendon injuries are difficult to treat and the postoperative results have traditionally been poor.

Material and methods: The article presents postoperative results (11-22 months) after surgical treatment of injured flexor tendons at Stavanger University Hospital. 32 injuries in 30 patients met the inclusion criteria; 23 of these patients responded to letters and telephone contacts. A physician and a hand therapist followed up 20 of the patients with a clinical examination and three were just interviewed by telephone. The results were evaluated according to joint movement, grip strength, occupational history and patient satisfaction.

Results: 11 of 17 patients achieved excellent or good results according to Stricklands's classification of joint movement. 18 of 20 patients had a grip strength of more than 90% in the injured hand compared to that in the non-injured hand. 13 of 23 patients reported their hand function to be excellent or good; no one reported a negative occupational change after the operation.

Interpretation: Treatment of flexor tendon surgery in the hand requires experienced surgeons and a well-organized post-operative rehabilitation protocol with dedicated hand and/or physical therapists. This study confirms that grip strength is less affected than joint movement after flexor tendon surgery.