Functional outcomes after flexor tendon repair of the hand

Özet

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the hand function after flexor tendon repair (FTR) and to investigate factors associated withfunctional outcomes.Patients and methods: Between January 2013 and September 2015, a total of 126 patients (84 males, 42 females; mean age 31 years; range,15 to 62 years) who underwent FTR due to flexor tendon injuries (FTIs) were included. The hand function was assessed using the JebsenHand Function Test (JHFT) and Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (Quick DASH) at three and six months following FTR.Results: Of the patients, 94 (75%) and 72 (56%) completed the three-month and six-month assessment visits, respectively. A total of65 patients (51.1%) had both three and six-month follow-up data. The patients regained a fair amount of power grip strength and morethan half of their pinch grip strength compared to the unaffected hand. The results of assessment of hand function at activity andparticipation levels (JHFT and Quick DASH) showed slightly higher levels of disability. Of 41 patients who were employed prior to injury,29 (71%) returned to work at six months after surgery. Zone IV injury and language barrier were associated with poor functional outcomesat six months.Conclusion: Our study results showed that the JHFT and Quick DASH scores of the patients were less than the established norms, althoughfunctional outcomes improved over time. Based on these results, we suggest that the presence of zone IV FTI and language barrier areassociated with poor functional outcomes.