Factors affecting results after flexor tendon repair in zone II: a multivariate prospective analysis.

A stepwise multiple regression procedure was used to examine the influence of 12 to 13 independent variables on five outcome variables, 1 year after flexor tendon repair in zone II, in a consecutive series of 135 patients treated with early controlled motion. Of the included variables, controlled interphalangeal joint range of motion 3 weeks postoperatively was the single most influential factor with regard to final active interphalangeal joint range of motion. Together with age, swelling, the number of digits, and the number of tendons injured, it accounted for 18% to 19% of the total variance in active range of motion; 14% to 15% of the variance in extension deficits and 41% of the variance in grip strength could be accounted for by variables included in the study. A large part of the variance in all the outcome variables was probably related to the psychological and biologic characteristics of the patient.