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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07290348

Effect of Dynamic Hand Splint on Hand ROM Post Extensor Tendon Repair

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of dynamic hand splint on hand range of motion following extensor tendon repair.

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Key information

Conditions

Splints Extensor Tendons of Finger Anomalies Hapnes Boman Skeie syndrome Range of Motion

Age range

20 year–40 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Mansoura international hospital, Dakahlia government, Egypt

Al Mansurah, Egypt

About this study

The extensor muscles to the digits are weaker; their capacity for work and their amplitude of glide are less than those of their flexor antagonists, yet they require a latitude of motion that is not necessary for flexor function. Extensor tendons are thinner and broader than flexor tendons. They are superficial in comparison with the flexor tendons, allowing adhesion to the fascial layers and skin. They have a broad tendon-to-bone interface that can result in dense adhesions. Shortening of the extensor tendon because of surgery may result in difficulty regaining full flexion. Dorsal swelling may prevent the tendons from gliding. Recreating the normal balance between intrinsic and extrinsic muscle/tendon units can be a challenging task for surgeons and therapists following extensor tendon injury. Common functional complications include loss of flexion, extensor lag, and decreased grip strength. To prevent these complications, extensor tendon approaches, similar to flexor tendon approaches, have evolved to include controlled passive and active mobilization using a dynamic splint immediately following surgery

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Patients are both males and females.
  • Their age will be in the range of 20-40 years.
  • All patients suffering from extensor tendon injuries in zone 5 or 6.
  • All patients undergo extensor tendon repair surgery.
  • All patients will begin the treatment program from the third week post-operative.
  • All patients enrolled in the study will have their informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

  • The potential participants will be excluded if they meet one of the following criteria:
  • Patients with associated diseases (diabetes mellitus, infectious diseases, autoimmune disease) that will interfere with the healing process.
  • Patients taking medication that alters the healing process (e.g., corticosteroids, chemotherapy, or radiation).
  • Pregnancy or epilepsy.
  • Elderly patients.
  • Skin disease.

Treatment and study plan

customized dynamic hand splint

Other

After 3 weeks of repair surgery, both groups were asked to take of the static splints, then the patients in group A (study group) were asked to wear customized dynamic hand splint daytime between sessions whole duration from third week post operative for 2 months till the end of the rehabilitation sessions, on the other hand the patients in group B (control group) were not asked to wear customized dynamic hand splint.

traditional treatment (first stage)

Other

All patients underwent a standardized rehabilitation program involving chair exercises. Key components included management of postoperative hand edema through distal-to-proximal massage to enhance tendon glide and range of motion; deep friction massage to reduce adhesions of postoperative scars; positive effects of massage therapy on hypertrophic and burn scar thickness; use of ultrasound on repaired tendons to minimize adhesions and promote healing; and gentle passive range of motion exercises for wrist and finger joints to gradually restore motion.

traditional treatment (second and third stage)

Other

This stage spanned two weeks following rehabilitation, during which all patients in both groups performed gentle stretching, active-assisted, and active free range of motion exercises to improve neuromuscular control and joint movements.

This stage lasted one month, during which all patients engaged in active resisted range of motion, strengthening exercises, and functional training to restore muscle power and daily activity levels. Thera-band resistance training can improve muscle strength and functional fitness in older adults in community settings, serving as a safe and manageable physical activity that nursing staff can seamlessly integrate into daily routines.

Primary outcomes

  1. assessment of wrist range of motion

    Time frame: at baseline and after 1 months and 2 months

    The study measured the range of motion of the wrist at three stages: prior to treatment, after one month, and at the end of the treatment. Patients were positioned sitting with their elbows on a table.

    An electronic goniometer was employed for the measurements, ensuring the wrist was neutral (0°) for extension assessments. For wrist extension, the forearm was pronated and the elbow fully extended, with the goniometer aligned with the lateral side of the ulna and the fifth metacarpal for accurate measurement

Secondary outcomes

  1. assessment of metacarpophalangeal joint range of motion

    Time frame: at baseline and after 1 months and 2 months

    The study measured the range of motion of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the fingers at three stages: prior to treatment, after one month, and at the end of the treatment.To measure the metacarpophalangeal joint, patients positioned their hands outside the table, while an electronic goniometer was aligned on the dorsal side of the metacarpal and proximal phalanx for accurate measurement.

  2. assessment of interphalangeal joints' range of motion

    Time frame: at baseline and after 1 months and 2 months

    The study measured the range of motion of the proximal and distal interphalangeal joints of the fingers at three stages: prior to treatment, after one month, and at the end of the treatment.

    The measurement of proximal interphalangeal joints involved patients positioning their hands outside a table while an electronic goniometer was aligned on the dorsal side of the proximal and middle phalanx of the targeted finger. For Distal interphalangeal joints, the setup differed slightly, with alignment on the lateral side of the middle phalanx and distal phalanx of the targeted finger.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Cairo University

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2023
Primary completion
2024
Study completion
2025
First posted
Dec 18, 2025
Registry last updated
Dec 18, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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