Comparison of the Outcomes of Early Versus Late Mobilization in Rehabilitation Following Hand Tendon Injuries

Objective: The goal of this study was to compare, both clinically and functionally, the outcomes of rehabilitation programs using either an early or late mobilization protocol after repair of hand tendon injuries. Materials and Methods: Fifty patients (11 female-22%, 39 male-78%) with mean age of 29.86 +/- 11.58 years were included in the study. Rehabilitation with early mobilization protocol was implemented in group A (n=25) patients, 1-3 days after tendon repair, while in group B (n=25) patients, rehabilitation with late mobilization protocol was applied after 3-week splint immobilization. Evaluations were made by visual analog scale for pain, Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament for sensory testing, Nine-Hole Peg Test for hand dexterity, hand dynamometer for grip strength and pinch meter for lateral, palmar and tip strengths, Health Assessment Questionnaire for activities of daily living, and Functional Status Scale for functional status before and 12 weeks after the rehabilitation program. Results: After treatment, pain and activities of daily living showed improvement in group A, while grip and pinch strengths and functional status showed significant improvement in both groups. Grip strength, activities of daily living, and functional status showed further improvement in group A compared to group B after treatment. Conclusion: Rehabilitation with early mobilization protocol following repair of hand tendon injuries demonstrates superiority compared to the late mobilization protocol with respect to activities of daily living and functional status. Turk J Phys Med Rehab 2009;55:147-52.