Early, Continuous, Passive Motion Following Flexor Tendon Repair in Zone-II: Using an Originally Invented Passive Motion Device
Niyom Laoopugsin MD* Arunwongse Thepchatri MD*, Pawaris Sukavanich MD*
Affiliation : * Department of Orthopedics, Faculty of Medicine, Srinakharinwirot University. Nakhon Nayok, Thailand
Objective : To evaluate the invented device for early continuous passive motion with the rehabilitation program of fingers
following flexor tendon repair in zone-II and to determine whether early motion of the affected finger can occur without
increasing the rates of subsequent tendon rupture.
Material and Method: A quazi experimental study was done between January 2011 and August 2011 by selecting 5 cases with
both, flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) and flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) injuried in zone II of a finger using standard
exclusion criteria. The operation was performed by a single surgeon using a standard four-strand repair suture technique
and postoperative care consisted of a rehabilitation program with early, continuous, passive motion using and original
device. The program was started 1 week post operatively with duration of 4 months. The authors evaluated the total active
motion (TAM) by means of the Strickland-Glogovac formula and calculated results by using the Strickland’s original
classification system. The ratio of efficiency (E1/E2) was analyzed.
Results : In evaluation of the TAM, there were 2 cases with excellent results and good results in 3 cases. The range of motion
obtained was nearly full motion in all 5 of the cases without subsequent tendon rupture. The ratio of efficiency (E1/E2) was 85/
100 (85 of Baktir/100 of the present study) and higher than standard (80/80). As the total number of cases and the selection
of cases were different (76 cases of Baktir/5 cases of the present study).
Conclusion : Early continuous passive motion using this originally invented device provides excellent long-term outcomes in
the management of injured flexor tendon in zone II. Further studies should be done to compare our results with other
continuous passive motion protocols with the inclusion of long term follow-up and measurements of grip strength.
Keywords : Continuous passive motion (CPM), Early motion, Original device for CPM, Finger motion
