NCT07290348

Effect of Dynamic Hand Splint on Hand ROM Post Extensor Tendon Repair

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 40 (actual)
• Sponsor: Cairo University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 20 Years – 40 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of dynamic hand splint on hand range of motion following extensor tendon repair.

Detailed description

The extensor muscles to the digits are weaker; their capacity for work and their amplitude of glide are less than those of their flexor antagonists, yet they require a latitude of motion that is not necessary for flexor function. Extensor tendons are thinner and broader than flexor tendons. They are superficial in comparison with the flexor tendons, allowing adhesion to the fascial layers and skin. They have a broad tendon-to-bone interface that can result in dense adhesions. Shortening of the extensor tendon because of surgery may result in difficulty regaining full flexion. Dorsal swelling may prevent the tendons from gliding. Recreating the normal balance between intrinsic and extrinsic muscle/tendon units can be a challenging task for surgeons and therapists following extensor tendon injury. Common functional complications include loss of flexion, extensor lag, and decreased grip strength. To prevent these complications, extensor tendon approaches, similar to flexor tendon approaches, have evolved to include controlled passive and active mobilization using a dynamic splint immediately following surgery

Conditions

• Splints
• Range of Motion
• Extensor Tendons of Finger Anomalies

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	customized dynamic hand splint	After 3 weeks of repair surgery, both groups were asked to take of the static splints, then the patients in group A (study group) were asked to wear customized dynamic hand splint daytime between sessions whole duration from third week post operative for 2 months till the end of the rehabilitation sessions, on the other hand the patients in group B (control group) were not asked to wear customized dynamic hand splint.
OTHER	traditional treatment (first stage)	All patients underwent a standardized rehabilitation program involving chair exercises. Key components included management of postoperative hand edema through distal-to-proximal massage to enhance tendon glide and range of motion; deep friction massage to reduce adhesions of postoperative scars; positive effects of massage therapy on hypertrophic and burn scar thickness; use of ultrasound on repaired tendons to minimize adhesions and promote healing; and gentle passive range of motion exercises for wrist and finger joints to gradually restore motion.
OTHER	traditional treatment (second and third stage)	This stage spanned two weeks following rehabilitation, during which all patients in both groups performed gentle stretching, active-assisted, and active free range of motion exercises to improve neuromuscular control and joint movements. This stage lasted one month, during which all patients engaged in active resisted range of motion, strengthening exercises, and functional training to restore muscle power and daily activity levels. Thera-band resistance training can improve muscle strength and functional fitness in older adults in community settings, serving as a safe and manageable physical activity that nursing staff can seamlessly integrate into daily routines.

Timeline

• Start date: 2023-08-01
• Primary completion: 2024-12-01
• Completion: 2025-01-01
• First posted: 2025-12-18
• Last updated: 2025-12-18

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Egypt