Rehabilitation regimens following surgical repair of extensor tendon injuries of the hand-a systematic review of controlled trials

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5 prospective randomized or quasi-randomized controlled trials comparing static immobilization, dynamic splinting, and early active mobilization in the management of surgically-treated extensor tendon injuries were included in this review. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare these three rehabilitation regimens with respect to total active motion (TAM). Results indicated that, when compared to static immobilization, early mobilization regimens (i.e. both dynamic splinting and early active motion) displayed significantly superior total active motion up to 12 weeks. However, the statistical significance of this difference may not be apparent after 12 weeks. No significant differences were found between TAM obtained with dynamic splinting and early active motion.