Biomechanics and Motion Analysis

Postoperative Rehabilitation After Flexor Tendon Repair

Principal Investigator: Peter C. Amadio, M.D.
Project Coordinator: Chunfeng Zhao, M.D. — zhao.chunfeng@mayo.edu

Postoperative rehabilitation is an effective method to prevent adhesion formation after flexor tendon repair. In the past, we developed a partial laceration in vivo model using canine to investigate the effect of synergistic wrist and finger motion therapy. Then, a synergistic motion protocol was used in a full laceration model in canine in vivo. In 2003, we continued this study, and also modified the classical synergistic therapy. The results have demonstrated that the method of therapy will influence the tension applied to the tendon and thus affect the amount of tendon excursion. Additionaly, the timing of therapy can influence the final outcome in terms of rupture rate, adhesion formation, and gliding resistance.