ABSTRACT
Objective To discuss perioperative rehabilitative care for flexor tendon injuries by examples of successful treatment of 30 cases of rupture of flexor tendon pollicis longus at ZoneⅡ.Methods From March 2001 to March 2006,30 cases of rupture of flexor tendon pollicis longus at ZoneⅡwere treated in our department by suture with double loops and crossing six strands before external fixation.Patients were encouraged to do rehabilitation exer- cises for functional recovery under the guidance and supervision of orthopaedists.Results All the patients were followed up for 6 to 16 weeks (mean,8 weeks).According to TAM (Total Active Motion) criteria,12 cases were rated as excellent,10 cases as good,6 cases as fair,and 2 cases as poor.The excellent to good rate was 73.3%.The 22 excellent and good cases could perform daily-life activities with affected fingers,such as writing,holding chopsticks and doing and undoing buttons.No patient experienced rerupture.Conclusion In perioperative rehabilitative care for rupture of flexor tendon pollicis longus at ZoneⅡ,it is important to have correct diagnosis,noninvasive and secure suture,safe external fixation and functional exercises under the guidance of orthopaedists.