Rate of recovery after flexor tendon repair in zone II. A prospective longitudinal study of 145 digits.

A series of 145 digits were treated with three controlled motion programmes after flexor tendon repair in zone II. Active interphalangeal joint motion was measured four, six and 12 weeks; six months and one year after operation. Although there were differences in the final results among the groups, the rate of recovery from the end of the controlled motion period (four weeks after operation), was not significantly different in the three treatment groups. Overall, a mean of 37% of the final distal interphalangeal joint range of motion and 9% of the final proximal interphalangeal joint range of motion was recovered between three months and one year postoperatively. In only 10 of 27 digits with a poor result (combined interphalangeal joint range of motion less than 90 degrees) at three months, was the result still poor at one year; 10 regained another 40 degrees or more, and eight another 50 degrees or more. The results indicate that it is worth waiting six or 12 months before considering tenolysis.