Zone-specific pitfalls in flexor tendon rehabilitation: management and prevention.

J Hand Surg Eur Vol · Mar 2025 · Review

Chinchalkar SJ, Larocerie-Salgado J, Pipicelli JG

Hand Therapy Division, Roth-McFarlane Hand & Upper Limb Center, St. Joseph's Health Care London, Canada

Hand & Upper Extremity

SUMMARY — THE REDUCTIONThis review outlines zone-specific complications like adhesions and contractures after flexor tendon repair and offers strategies for their prevention and management during rehabilitation.
Abstract, as published

Despite significant advancements in flexor tendon repair techniques and rehabilitation strategies, achieving complete restoration of digital motion remains a formidable challenge. The most prevalent complications associated with tendon repair are the development of tendon adhesions and joint contractures. Left unaddressed, these complications can further lead to secondary pathomechanical changes, resulting in fixed deformities significantly affecting hand function. This review of zone-specific considerations in flexor tendon rehabilitation provides an in-depth analysis of the dynamics of tendon motion after repair and strategies to minimize common secondary complications.

Featured in the 2026-08-12 issue.

← Preoperative A1c and Postoperative Infection in Elective Hand…Delayed Presentation Increases Complications After Catfish Sp… →

The Reduction is a free email digest of newly published orthopaedic literature — a handful of new papers in the subspecialties you choose, each summarized like this one. Subscribe free or browse the archive.