Comparison of Early Passive and Active Mobilization Protocols in Flexor Tendon Repair Rehabilitation of the Hand

Many active and passive rehabilitation programs are applied in the rehabilitation processes after flexor tendon repair. There is no clear rehabilitation program accepted by the whole world. An accurate understanding of these injuries at the histological and biomechanical level is necessary to improve rehabilitation outcomes. Mechanical properties of tendons, such as their viscoelasticity, are affected by the increase in stiffness caused by the rupture, repair, and healing process. Previous studies have shown that the mechanical properties of a repaired tendon, such as stiffness, material properties and functionality of tendon tissue Shear-wave elastography can detect pathological changes in tendinopathy before they are visible on conventional Ultrasonography imaging. In addition, shear wave elastography allows the evaluation of quantitative measurements and is considered more objective because it provides reproducible results. Our aim in this study is to evaluate the changes in the mechanical properties of the hand flexor tendons repaired using shear wave elastography (SWE) during the rehabilitation process and natural process and their effect on functionality.

Inclusion Criteria:Forty patients aged 18-75 years who had flexor tendon injury and underwent primary surgical repair (within the first 10 days after injury) will be included in the studyExclusion Criteria:Patients with a history of previous hand trauma, neurological or systemic disease affecting the hand, patients with a history of upper extremity surgery, concomitant extensor tendon injury, fracture and amputation will be excluded from the study.