Results of the Flexor Tendon Repairs of the Hand in Children.
- Author:
Changwoo KIM
1
;
Kitae CHUNG
;
Jasung KOO
;
Suyoung CHUN
;
Jangwon HUR
;
Taehoon JEONG
;
Seok KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Daehan Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Children;
Hand;
Flexor tendon;
Tendon injury;
Primary repair
- MeSH:
Child*;
Early Ambulation;
Follow-Up Studies;
Hand*;
Humans;
Immobilization;
Lacerations;
Tendon Injuries;
Tendons*
- From:The Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association
2000;35(5):803-806
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
PURPOSE: When flexor tendons are injuried in children, the management is difficult. There are needs to determine the periods of postoperative immobilization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From April 1994 to March 1998, 40 patients younger than 16 years who had sustained flexor tendon lacerations in zone I or zone II of 52 digits were available for critical evaluation. The average postoperative follow-up period was 24 (range, 3-48) months. RESULTS: All profundus repairs in zone I achieved excellent or good function. Isolated profundus and combined profundus and superficialis repairs in zone II achieved comparable results which managed with a passive motion program immediately after operation (TAM=82%) or motion following immobilization for 3 weeks (TAM =79%) or 4 weeks (TAM=78%) . Immobilization for longer than 4 weeks which resulted in an appreciable deterioration of funtion (5 weeks: TAM=64%, 6 weeks: TAM=61%) . Digital motion following flexor tendon injuries treated with less than 4 weeks of immobilization or early motion was not significantly different. CONCLUSION: We could find no benefits of early mobilization protocols in children. Howerver, it does appear that it is important that postoperative immobilization not be continued beyond 4 weeks.
