Flexor tendon repair and rehabilitation: state of the art in 2002.

Basic science and clinical investigation have advanced significantly the treatment and the outcome following intrasynovial flexor tendon repair and rehabilitation and reconstruction over the past 30 years. The application of modern multistrand suture repair techniques as well as postoperative rehabilitation protocols emphasizing the application of intrasynovial repair site excursion has led to a protocol for treatment of intrasynovial flexor tendon lacerations emphasizing a strong initial repair followed by the application of postoperative passive motion rehabilitation. Protocols for the reconstruction of failed initial treatment have likewise undergone modification given new findings on the biologic and clinical behavior of flexor tendon grafts. Currently accepted treatment protocols following flexor tendon repair and reconstruction are based on current clinical and scientific data.