Functional results following surgical repair of post-traumatic hand tendon injuries

Abstract

Introduction: The study aims to determine whether early physical therapy following hand tendon repair gives better results and to look at any possible limiting factors locally. Methods: Twenty adults were selected from those admitted to Mater Dei Hospital, with traumatic tendon injuries to the wrist and hand during the year 2014. Their medical records were reviewed and details on surgical repair and postoperative rehabilitation noted. Participants completed QuickDASH outcome measure questionnaires assessing their situation both on initial presentation to hand therapy and six months later. The range of motion in all joints of the injured digits, six months after commencement of therapy, was measured by manual hand goniometry and the Total Active Motion (TAM) score calculated. Results: A negative correlation was found between delay in starting hand therapy and both TAM score (r=-0.650, N=20, p<0.001) and QuickDASH score (r=-0.650, N=20, p<0.002). Comparison of the two outcome measures resulted in a strong negative correlation (r=-0.831, N=20, p<0.0005). Conclusion: These findings support current literature confirming that a shorter delay in starting hand therapy following tendon repair is associated with a better outcome for the patient. Better documentation and interdisciplinary handover is required, and a new operation report template is being put forward.