Immediate postoperative active mobilization versus immobilization following tendon transfer for claw deformity correction in the hand.

PURPOSE: To test the hypothesis that immediate postoperative active mobilization of tendon transfer following claw correction with flexor digitorum superficialis 4-tail pulley insertion will achieve similar outcomes to immobilization in a cast for 3 weeks.

METHODS: In a prospective study, 32 hands with complete ulnar nerve paralysis had flexor digitorum superficialis middle finger 4-tail pulley insertions for 4-digit claw deformity correction and mobilization for tendon transfer rehabilitation on the second day after surgery. Surgical technique was modified to increase the strength of transfer slip insertion. Historical records of 32 mobile claw deformities treated prior to the prospective trial in the same institution with a similar procedure and immobilized in a cast for 3 weeks was used for comparison. Outcomes were assessed by (1) the status of tendon transfer attachment to flexor pulley during immediate mobilization to detect tendon transfer insertion pullout; (2) results of the claw correction in open hand position and intrinsic plus position, and range of digit flexion using identical outcome measures (3) morbidity following surgery; and (4) comparing results of immediate mobilization with immobilization.

RESULTS: There was no incidence of transfer insertion pullout during immediate postoperative mobilization. There was no clinically relevant difference in results of claw correction of both groups in open hand and intrinsic plus position. Total active motion of digit flexion was considerably better with immediate mobilization at late result. A reduction of morbidity by 21 days and an earlier return to daily living activities were benefits to the patient with immediate postoperative mobilization of tendon transfer for claw correction.

CONCLUSIONS: This study supports the hypothesis. Immediate postoperative active mobilization is safe and has similar outcomes of deformity correction compared to immobilization. Immediate mobilization has the added benefits of reduced morbidity and improved total active range of digit flexion compared to immobilization.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic II.