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J Hand Microsurg 2016; 08(02): 070-079
DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1586173
Review Article
Thieme Medical and Scientific Publishers Private Ltd.

Pathomechanics and Management of Secondary Complications Associated with Tendon Adhesions Following Flexor Tendon Repair in Zone II

Shrikant J. Chinchalkar
1   Department of Hand Therapy, Roth McFarlane Hand and Upper Limb Centre, St. Joseph's Hospital, London, Ontario, Canada
2   Roth McFarlane Hand and Upper Limb Centre, St. Joseph's Hospital, London, Ontario, Canada
,
Juliana Larocerie-Salgado
1   Department of Hand Therapy, Roth McFarlane Hand and Upper Limb Centre, St. Joseph's Hospital, London, Ontario, Canada
2   Roth McFarlane Hand and Upper Limb Centre, St. Joseph's Hospital, London, Ontario, Canada
,
Nina Suh
2   Roth McFarlane Hand and Upper Limb Centre, St. Joseph's Hospital, London, Ontario, Canada
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

22 February 2016

12 May 2016

Publication Date:
21 July 2016 (online)

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Abstract

Despite the number of rehabilitation strategies and guidelines developed to maximize the gliding amplitude of repaired tendons, secondary complications, such as decreased range of motion and stiffness associated with tendon adhesions, commonly arise. If left untreated, these early complications may lead to secondary pathomechanical changes resulting in fixed deformities and decreased function. Therefore, an appropriate treatment regimen must not only include strategies to maintain the integrity of the repaired tendon, but must also avoid secondary complications due to reduced gliding amplitude. This review presents a biomechanical analysis of the dynamics of tendon gliding following repair in zone II and rehabilitation strategies to minimize secondary complications related with tendon adhesions.

Keywords

flexor tendon - early active mobilization - complications - synergistic wrist motion
 

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