Early active short arc motion for the repaired central slip.

Abstract

This study compared the functional results in patients with open and repaired central slip injuries treated by two different postoperative management methods. The groups were similar in number of patients and amount of complex injuries. The comparisons made were proximal interphalangeal joint extensor lag, flexion at distal interphalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints, total active motion, and length of treatment required. Patients in group 1 were treated with 3-6 weeks of continuous immobilization followed by a vigorous standard rehabilitation program. Patients in group 2 were treated by early active short arc motion initiated between the second day and the eleventh day after repair. By all criteria evaluated, patients in group 2 demonstrated better results at discharge compared to patients in group 1.