Postoperative Management Early Active Mobilization of Extensor Tendon Repair at Zone (V-VII)

Background: The extensor tendons are particularly vulnerable to trauma because their superficial location in a clenched fist, the thin mobile subcutaneous tissue offers little protection, and lacerations of the extensor tendons are common over joints that are easily exposed to contamination. Objective: To assess the evaluation of the postoperative early active mobilization protocol of extensor tendon repair at zone (V-VII). Methods: In this prospective study was carried out at Orthopedic Dept., 250 Bed General Hospital, Kishoreganj, Bangladesh from January to June 2023. Total 40 cases of fresh injury of extensor tendon at zone V to VII were treated. A protocol of early active mobilization was undertaken, using an easy to follow rehabilitation plan. Routine history taking with details of the injury, the object causing the injury, the dominant hand and the position during the injury, Physical examination, included the zone, and the possible tendons involved together with any associated injury. Results: Forty patients of fresh extensor tendon injuries were included in this study, their ages ranged from 20 to 55 years. There were 33 males (82.5%) and 7 females (17.5%). The dominant hand was involved in 29 of patients (72.5%). The nature of injuries was sharp cut in 34 patients (85%), with crush injuries in 6 patients (15%). The most common site of injuries was zone VI, VII and zone V respectively, and the most common tendon injured was EDC, EI, and EDM. Only 7 patients (17.5%) had single tendon injury, While 33 patients (82.5%) had multiple tendon injuries. At the end of the 6th weeks post operatively, the overall outcome result are summarized. Conclusion: The early mobilization of repaired extensor tendon reduces the formation of adhesion as compared to rigid immobilization. We recommend the use of this protocol following extensor tendon repair in the hand at zone V, VI, and VII in cooperative patient. It will give fairly acceptable results.