DOS 2018

DOS Kongressen 2018 · 253 Splinting following surgical repair of flexor tendon lesions of the hand: A systematic review Linn Woythal, Per Hølmer, Stig Brorson Dept. of Orthopedic Surgery, Nordsjællands Hospital, Hillerød; Dept. of Orthopedic Surgery, Zealand University Hospital, Køge Background: In the rehabilitation of flexor tendon lesions of the hand splinting with or without the wrist immobilized can be used. The evidence base for these splinting techniques has not previously been studied in a systematic review. Purpose / Aim of Study: To systematic review the evidence of splinting with or without immobilization of the wrist following surgical repair of flexor tendon lesions. Materials and Methods: We searched five bibliographic databases. We in- cluded randomized controlled trials and observational comparative studies. We excluded studies including patients with additional nerve injury, patients un- dergoing tenolysis surgery and adolescents. Reference lists were retrieved for additional studies. Study selection and data extraction was performed inde- pendently by two authors and controversies were resolved by consensus. Data on patient-reported functional outcome and pain were primary outcomes and health professional-reported functional outcomes were secondary. The review protocol was pre-registered in PROSPERO. Findings / Results: We identified 1,643 references. No randomized trials but four comparative studies with historical control groups were identified. Two studies were excluded due to additional nerve injury leaving two studies for inclusion: One study including 18 patients reported that a splint that does not immobilize the wrist can be used safely in FDP zone I repairs. Another study including 44 patients reported a 91 % “excellent” total active motion on the Strickland score in the group with active wrist motion. None of the included studies reported our primary outcome measures. Conclusions: No high-quality evidence comparing postoperative splinting with or without immobilization of the wrist was identified. Randomized trials should be conducted to inform rehabilitation after flexor tendon repair. 194.

RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NjEzNTY=