Effects of training and using an audio-tactile sensory substitution device on speech-in-noise understanding.

Understanding speech in background noise is challenging. Wearing face-masks, imposed by the COVID19-pandemics, makes it even harder. We developed a multi-sensory setup, including a sensory substitution device (SSD) that can deliver speech simultaneously through audition and as vibrations on the fingertips. The vibrations correspond to low frequencies extracted from the speech input. We trained two groups of non-native English speakers in understanding distorted speech in noise. After a short session (30-45 min) of repeating sentences, with or without concurrent matching vibrations, we showed comparable mean group improvement of 14-16 dB in Speech Reception Threshold (SRT) in two test conditions, i.e., when the participants were asked to repeat sentences only from hearing and also when matching vibrations on fingertips were present. This is a very strong effect, if one considers that a 10 dB difference corresponds to doubling of the perceived loudness. The number of sentence repetitions needed for both types of training to complete the task was comparable. Meanwhile, the mean group SNR for the audio-tactile training (14.7 ± 8.7) was significantly lower (harder) than for the auditory training (23.9 ± 11.8), which indicates a potential facilitating effect of the added vibrations. In addition, both before and after training most of the participants (70-80%) showed better performance (by mean 4-6 dB) in speech-in-noise understanding when the audio sentences were accompanied with matching vibrations. This is the same magnitude of multisensory benefit that we reported, with no training at all, in our previous study using the same experimental procedures. After training, performance in this test condition was also best in both groups (SRT ~ 2 dB). The least significant effect of both training types was found in the third test condition, i.e. when participants were repeating sentences accompanied with non-matching tactile vibrations and the performance in this condition was also poorest after training. The results indicate that both types of training may remove some level of difficulty in sound perception, which might enable a more proper use of speech inputs delivered via vibrotactile stimulation. We discuss the implications of these novel findings with respect to basic science. In particular, we show that even in adulthood, i.e. long after the classical "critical periods" of development have passed, a new pairing between a certain computation (here, speech processing) and an atypical sensory modality (here, touch) can be established and trained, and that this process can be rapid and intuitive. We further present possible applications of our training program and the SSD for auditory rehabilitation in patients with hearing (and sight) deficits, as well as healthy individuals in suboptimal acoustic situations.

[Depressed fractures of the base of the middle phalanges of the fingers : Evaluation of a percutaneous, intramedullary surgical technique]. / Mittelgliedbasisimpressionsfrakturen der Finger : Evaluation eines perkutanen, intramedullären Operationsverfahrens.

BACKGROUND: Depressed fractures of the base of the middle phalanges are problematic because of frequent subluxations and centrally depressed fragments. There are two minimally invasive procedures available: 1) the less known intramedullary padding technique according to Hintringer and 2) the widely used distraction fixator of Suzuki. This article describes the technique and outcome of these two procedures. METHODOLOGY: The follow-up collective included 42 patients after treatment of a depressed fracture of the base of the middle phalanx. An intramedullary padding with percutaneous Kirschner wire retention was performed 28 times (group A) and treatment with a Suzuki fixator 14 times (group B). The study examined the hand function, the radiological results and the subjective pain level. RESULTS: According to the American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH) classification 81% of the patients in group A achieved a good result but in group B the same result was achieved by only 50% of the patients. The median range of movement in the proximal interphalangeal joint was 82.5° after intramedullary padding and 47.5° after Suzuki fixator. In median, the impression was reduced from 2.35 mm to 0.5 mm in group A, but only from 1.6 mm to 1.15 mm in group B. Pain was a limiting factor in 2 out of 28 patients in group A and 1 out of 14 patients in group B. CONCLUSION: The intramedullary padding technique according to Hintringer enables good treatment of depressed fractures of the base of the middle phalanx of the finger. Repositioning of dorsal subluxations can be performed and centrally impressed fragments can be reduced better than by using the Suzuki dynamic fixator. In addition, the radiological course assessments can be assessed better than with the distraction fixator.

[Treatment of flexor tendon injuries in children]. / Behandlung von Beugesehnenverletzungen bei Kindern.

Injuries to the flexor tendons in children are less common than in adults. The clinical examination and diagnostics require extensive experience. Leaving flexor tendons untreated will result in growth disorders of the affected finger. Therefore, the indications for operative exploration of any type of open injury in a child's hand should be liberally applied. As for adults the primary treatment of flexor tendon injuries as an emergency is rarely indicated. In the recent literature various tendon suture techniques and rehabilitation protocols have been differently assessed. According to the Ulm algorithm flexor tendon injuries in children are treated by a 2-strand core stitch technique followed by a continuous circular suture. Children under 6 years of age are postoperatively immobilized for 3 weeks with a fist bandage. Children older than 6 years are treated like adults with a dynamic aftercare as described by Kleinert for 5 weeks. The results are comparable with those of other aftercare protocols.

[Diagnostic ability of power measurement of different grip forms for distal median nerve lesion]. / Stellenwert der Kraftmessung verschiedener Greifformen zur Diagnostik der peripheren Medianusläsion.

BACKGROUND: Peripheral lesions of the median nerve cause characteristic changes of the grip function of the hand. For evaluating grip force changes, measurement by dynamometers (JAMAR dynamometer and pinch dynamometer) is of high relevance. In this study the ability of grip force measurements of different grip forms was evaluated to discriminate between a simulated median nerve lesion and healthy subjects. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In 21 healthy subjects, the grip force of power grip was measured by the JAMAR dynamometer at the second stage including measurement of force at the fingertips and the thenar by a sensor glove. With a pinch dynamometer the power of palmar abduction, precision grip, pincer grip and pinch grip was determined. Measurements were performed with and without median nerve block at the wrist. RESULTS: In power grip of the JAMAR dynamometer at the second stage a significant reduction of the grip force of 13.4% was found (p < 0.03). The power distribution between the fingers D2-D5 did not change with median nerve block. The most relevant reduction of grip force in median nerve block compared with the healthy control was measured in palmar abduction (72.1%, p < 0.0002), followed by precision grip 31.0% (p < 0.0001), pincer grip 23.6% (p < 0.0004) and pinch grip 18.8% (p < 0.0002). CONCLUSIONS: For the discrimination between healthy subjects and subjects with a median nerve block there was a limited relevance of the measurement of the power grip and force distribution at the fingers by the JAMAR dynamometer. However, the best distinction was observed by dynamometric measurement of other grips than power grip, such as palmar abduction, precision grip, pincer grip and pinch grip. The results could be relevant for the clinical diagnostics and rehabilitation of median nerve lesion, complementing the widespread measurement of the power grip by other grip forms.

Change in the temporal coordination of the finger joints with ulnar nerve block during different power grips analyzed with a sensor glove.

Ulnar nerve injuries can cause deficient hand movement patterns. Their assessment is important for diagnosis and rehabilitation in hand surgery cases. The purpose of this study was to quantify the changes in temporal coordination of the finger joints during different power grips with an ulnar nerve block by means of a sensor glove. In 21 healthy subjects, the onset and end of the active flexion of the 14 finger joints when gripping objects of different diameters was recorded by a sensor glove. The measurement was repeated after an ulnar nerve block was applied in a standardized setting. The change in the temporal coordination of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP), proximal interphalangeal (PIP) and distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints with and without the nerve block was calculated within the same subject. In healthy subjects, the MCP joints started their movement prior to the PIP joints in the middle and ring finger, whereas this occurred in the reverse order at the index and little finger. The DIP joint onset was significantly delayed (P<0.01). With the ulnar nerve block, this coordination shifted towards simultaneous onset of all joints, independent of the grip diameter. The thumb and index finger were affected the least. With an ulnar nerve block, the PIP joints completed their movement prior to the MCP joints when gripping small objects (G1 and G2), whereas the order was reversed with larger objects (G3 and G4). The alterations with ulnar nerve block affected mainly the little finger when gripping small objects. With larger diameter objects, all fingers had a significant delay at the end of the PIP joint movement relative to the MCP and DIP joints, and the PIP and DIP joint sequence was reversed (P<0.01). Based on the significant changes in temporal coordination of finger flexion during different power grips, there are biomechanical effects of loss of function of the intrinsic muscles caused by an ulnar nerve block on the fine motor skills of the hand. This can be important for the diagnosis and rehabilitation of ulnar nerve lesions of the hand.

Reliability of the grip strength coefficient of variation for detecting sincerity in normal and blocked median nerve in healthy adults.

In the assessment of hand and upper limb function, detecting sincerity of effort (SOE) for grip strength is of major importance to identifying feigned loss of strength. Measuring maximal grip strength with a dynamometer is very common, often combined with calculating the coefficient of variation (CV), a measure of the variation over the three grip strength trials. Little data is available about the relevance of these measurements in patients with median nerve impairment due to the heterogeneity of patient groups. This study examined the reliability of grip strength tests as well as the CV to detect SOE in healthy subjects. The power distribution of the individual fingers and the thenar was taken into account. To assess reliability, the measurements were performed in subjects with a median nerve block to simulate a nerve injury. The ability of 21 healthy volunteers to exert maximal grip force and to deliberately exert half-maximal force to simulate reduced SOE in a power grip was examined using the Jamar® dynamometer. The experiment was performed in a combined setting with and without median nerve block of the same subject. The force at the fingertips of digits 2-5 and at the thenar eminence was measured with a sensor glove with integrated pressure receptors. For each measurement, three trials were recorded subsequently and the mean and CV were calculated. When exerting submaximal force, the subjects reached 50-62% of maximal force, regardless of the median nerve block. The sensor glove revealed a significant reduction of force when exerting submaximal force (P1 sensor) with (P<0.032) and without median nerve block (P<0.017). An increase in CV at submaximal force was found, although it was not significant. SOE can be detected with the CV at the little finger at using a 10% cut-off (sensitivity 0.84 and 0.92 without and with median nerve block, respectively). These findings suggest low reliability of the power grip measurement with the Jamar® dynamometer, as well as that of the CV for detecting SOE. However, the combination of finger forces including the thenar area and the CV at the little finger could lead to better reliability for detecting feigned reduction of grip strength. The methods were as reliable in subjects with a median nerve block as in healthy subjects.

[Linked Prosthesis for the Proximal Interphalangeal Joint: 17-Year Long-Term Results]. / Gekoppelte Fingermittelgelenksprothese - Verlauf über 17 Jahre.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Joint replacement is a widely used procedure to treat painful osteoarthritis of the proximal interphalangeal joint. From 1996 to 1999, 16 patients received 19 hinged, piston-based DIGITOS prostheses in our department. In 2007, the 7-year clinical course of 14 patients (17 devices) was published in this journal. Now 12 of these patients (15 devices) have been followed with an average history of 17 years, and the preoperative data has been compared with the results after 7 and 17 years, respectively. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The patients were 10 women and 2 men, whose average age at the time of the preoperative examination was 63 (48-69) years. Replacements were performed on the index (6), middle (6), and ring finger (3). There were 14 idiopathic osteoarthritic changes and 1 posttraumatic osteoarthritic change. Follow-up included a clinical (range of motion in the proximal interphalangeal joint, extension lag, pain) and radiological examination. In addition, the DASH score was obtained and the patients were asked whether or not they would undergo the same surgery again. The results after 7 and 17 years were reviewed for statistically significant differences. RESULTS: While there were significant changes regarding extension lag and flexion in the first 7 years after replacement of the proximal interphalangeal joint, only minor changes were observed between 7 and 17 years after surgery. While the prosthesis was in its correct position in the first 2 years after implantation, all prostheses exhibited radiolucent lines after 4 years and periprosthetic osteophytes after 5 years. 17 years after surgery, the radiolucent lines had not increased at all and the osteophytes had increased insignificantly compared with the 7-year findings. None of the patients reported pain; all of them said that they would undergo the same surgical procedure again. CONCLUSION: While there were significant clinical and radiological changes in the first 7 years after replacement of the proximal interphalangeal joint by a linked DIGITOS prosthesis, only minor changes were observed between 7 and 17 years after surgery.

[Simulated Total Wrist Fusion and its Influence on Hand Grip Function]. / Einfluss der simulierten Handgelenksarthrodese auf die Greiffunktion der Hand.

BACKGROUND: Wrist fusion is still a common treatment for patients with advanced stage arthritis. Since patients are often intimidated by the functional limitations, we intended to evaluate the influence of the lack of wrist motion in different positions on the dynamic grip function and the grip strength of the hand. METHODS: We simulated wrist fusion in 20° extension and 20° flexion and evaluated the following grip types: fist closure, 2 different power grips, pinch grip and precision grip. A TUB sensor glove was used, which allowed us to dynamically record the range of motion (ROM) of the finger joints as well as grip strength. Nineteen healthy subjects participated and all types of grips were performed using a standardised protocol with and without simulated wrist fusion. RESULTS: Lack of wrist motion in 20° extension had no relevant effect on the fingers' ROM, grip speed or strength. Simulated fusion in 20° flexion also had no influence on ROM or grip speed, rejecting our hypothesis that a tenodesis effect of the extensors in flexion would decrease ROM in the finger joints and grip speed. However, we were able to show a significant decrease of grip strength in flexion compared with extension or healthy wrists. The decrease averaged between 23 and 42% of healthy values, depending on the grip type. There was no change in strength distribution among the fingers. CONCLUSION: We didn't find any impact of lack of wrist motion on finger movement during forceful hand grip at normal speed. However, a significant loss of grip strength in flexed position of the wrist joint should be considered in patients with an indication for bilateral wrist fusion.

[Midterm results following denervation of the ankle]. / Mittelfristige Ergebnisse nach Sprunggelenkdenervation.

BACKGROUND: Complications related to arthrodesis of the ankle or total ankle replacement require a critical assessment of the indication. Using denervation of the ankle, we have the possibility to delay the above-named surgical treatment for a number of years. The aim of this follow-up study was to review the results of ankle denervation after several years. METHODS: Within a follow-up examination, we were able to evaluate the results of 45 patients an average of 102 months following ankle denervation. RESULTS: A total of 82.2% of patients indicated an improvement of pain for an average of 60.9 months; 71.1% of patients reported that the operation was worthwhile. The AOFAS score improved from an average 37.9 (range 26-68) preoperatively to 55.6 (range 24-84) at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Ankle denervation can achieve good ankle pain reduction in the treatment of ankle arthrosis. Denervation should be considered a long-term treatment concept.

[Magnet resonance imaging in common injuries of the wrist]. / Magnetresonanztomographie bei häufigen Verletzungen des Handgelenks.

Falling on the outstretched hand is a common trauma mechanism. In contrast to fractures of the distal radius, which usually are diagnosed on plain film radiographs, identifying wrist injuries requires further diagnostic methods, e.g., MRI or CT. This article provides a review of the use of MRI in the most common traumatic wrist injuries, including scaphoid fractures, TFCC lesions, and tears of the scapholunate ligament. Early and selective use of MRI as a further diagnostic method in cases of adequate clinical suspicion helps to initiate the correct treatment and, thus, prevents long-term arthrotic injuries and reduces unnecessary absence due to illness. MRI shows a high reliability in the diagnosis of scaphoid fractures and the America College of Radiology recommends MRI as method of choice after X-ray images have been made. In the diagnosis of ligament and discoid lesions, MR arthrography (MRA) using intraarticular contrast agent has considerably higher accuracy than i.v.-enhanced and especially unenhanced MRI.

[Distal phalangeal fractures of the finger. Results of conservative and surgical treatment]. / Der streckseitige Endgliedbasisbruch am Finger. Ergebnisse nach konservativer und operativer Behandlung.

BACKGROUND: In this study 56 dorsal phalangeal fractures of the distal segment were classified regarding morphological criteria. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Clinical and radiological results after 4 months were analyzed. Fractures including subluxation of the distal interphalangeal joint occurred rarely (n=3) and were treated by surgery. Fractures without subluxation had either a triangle-shaped fragment (n=40) or a fragment similar to a hunter's hat (n=9). Furthermore, there were two fractures with a tiny bony avulsion and two fractures with more radial or ulnar-oriented fragments. The triangle and hunter's hat type fractures were treated either by splinting (n=20) or by open reduction and stabilization with screws and wires (n=29). RESULTS: Clinical outcome was similar in both groups. In 12 out of the 20 fractures treated by splinting a stepping of the joint surface had to be tolerated. Initially only 8 out of 20 fractures showed a stepping of the joint surface. The fractures treated by surgery showed a better radiological outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Initially 27 fractures showed a stepping in the joint line but after surgical treatment only 9 fractures still presented a stepping. The remaining four fractures were successfully treated by splinting.

Dynamic aspects during the cylinder grip--flexion sequence of the finger joints analyzed using a sensor glove.

The purpose of this study was to assess whether there is a universal pattern of movement of the finger joints while performing a cylinder grip. A sensor glove was used to record the finger joint motion of 48 participants. Our observations showed that when examining the fingers, flexion motion began either at the metacarpophalangeal (MP) or proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints, with the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints always last to move (p = 0.0052). The sequence of the joints at the end of the gripping motion was different than at the beginning. Here, the only statistically significant observation was that the DIP joints fully flexed only once the MP joints had flexed fully. Apart from that, it was completely variable which joint reached its final position first or last. The analysis also revealed that synchronization of four identical joints (i.e. the four PIP joints) was significantly higher than synchronization of the 12 finger joints. Although synchronization was already high at the beginning of the flexion motion, it increased significantly by the time the joints completed their movement.

[Pyogenic granuloma of the thumb following the bite of a sheep]. / Pyogenes Granulom des Daumens nach Bissverletzung durch ein Schaf.

In the case of a patient with a large pyogenic granuloma of the thumb about three months after the bite of a sheep, we covered the defect after resection with a split thickness skin graft. Although at first amputation was discussed, after a few months a very good functional and aesthetic result was achieved.

[The dynamics of motion sequences of the finger joints during fist closure]. / Die Dynamik der Bewegungsabläufe der Fingergelenke beim Faustschluss.

The purpose of this study was to analyse motion patterns of the finger joints dynamically while making a fist. 10 subjects were examined using the TUB-sensor glove, which was equipped with 14 joint angle sensors. The median time it takes the finger joints to complete flexion until reaching the state of a closed fist ranges between 0.5 to 1.0 s. A specific pattern can be seen for every finger. The PIP and DIP joints appear to be linked, with the DIP trailing the PIP joint. At the thumb the IP is trailing the MCP joint. The MCP joint shows more variation at the beginning of flexion: while in some cases it initiates movement in a finger, in other cases its flexion falls behind the PIP joint movements. The completion of flexion is achieved by the MCP joints, with the PIP and DIP joints reaching their end of motion first. The range of motion (ROM) at the MCP joints shows a finger-dependent median of 79-97°. At the PIP joints the median lies between 87° and 90°, at the DIP joints between 52° and 68°. At the thumb it is 21° for the MCP and 24° for the IP joint. The linkage between PIP and DIP joints can also be seen when analysing the ROM. The coupling ratio amounts to 0.77 at the index finger, 0.75 at the middle and ring finger and 0.57 at the small finger.

[Assessment of force patterns of different primary grips through dynamic force measurement using a sensor glove]. / Erfassung der Kraftprofile verschiedener primärer Griffe durch dynamische Kraftmessung mit einem Sensorhandschuh.

The present study analyses force distribution patterns during primary grips. 10 subjects were examined using the TUB-sensor glove, which was equipped with 10 pressure sensors. 5 proximal sensors at the MCP joints and 5 distal sensors at the DIP joints were attached palmarly. 9 different gripping motions were examined: the cylinder grip using 4 different objects, the pinch grip and 4 different kinds of precision grips. The force distribution patterns can be clearly divided into 2 groups. On the one hand there are the "power grips", in which the force is distributed over the proximal and distal sensors. On the other hand there are the "precision grips", which only show a force distribution at the distal sensors. Therefore Napier's concept of the existence of primarily 2 gripping patterns, which is based on visual analysis, can be verified objectively. For the "power grips" the force distribution is shifted further distally with increasing size of the objects. In conclusion, their distribution pattern shifts towards the pattern of the "precision grips". At the small finger the distal sensor is already dominant during the "power grips" of smaller objects. The thumb plays a subordinate role during the "power grip" of smaller objects, since these grips are similar to the "closing fist motion" and the objects can be held between the fingers and the palm of the hand. However, with increasing object sizes the thumb gains more importance, since its opposing movement is now required to accomplish the grip.

[Early results after palmar multi-axial plate osteosynthesis for treatment of distal radius fractures]. / Frühergebnisse nach palmarer winkelstabiler (multiaxialer) Plattenosteosynthese bei der Behandlung distaler Radiusfrakturen.

In a prospective study a total of 49 fractures in 47 patients were treated with open reduction and palmar plate osteosynthesis. The results were evaluated radiologically, clinically and with the disability of arm-shoulder-hand (DASH) score. The emphasis was on early postoperative results. The patients consisted of 11 men and 36 women aged 21­85 years old. Very good or good results were achieved in 79.6% of the patients, a fair result in 16.3% and a poor result in 4.1% according to the Lidström criteria. In 65.9% of cases very good or good functional results were achieved, in 22.7% fair and in 11.4% only poor results. The DASH score showed high patient satisfaction in 70.2%, moderate satisfaction in 25.5% and only little satisfaction in 4.3% of patients. Complications occurred in 14.3% of patients and the average duration of sick leave was 45.8 days. Open reduction of distal radius fractures using palmar plates with multi-axial angular stability shows good radiological and functional results even shortly after the operation.

Detecting submaximal effort in power grip by observation of the strength distribution pattern.

This study examined patterns of grip strength when maximal and submaximal effort are applied. Using a sensor glove, 50 healthy subjects performed two different power grips. Both maximal and submaximal gripping showed characteristic patterns of strength distribution that were independent of the degree of power applied. Significant differences were also noted in the strength distribution patterns, depending on whether the grip was performed at maximal, or submaximal, strength. The small finger plays a decisive role in this. In maximal strength gripping, the total measured strength is distributed relatively evenly over all four fingers, with each finger contributing between 23% and 27% of the total strength. In submaximal strength gripping, the little finger is involved very little and only contributes between 14% and 15% of the total strength, with the remainder of the gripping distributed relatively evenly between the index, middle and ring fingers, each of which contributes between 26% and 32% of the total.

[DIGITOS-prosthesis for the proximal interphalangeal joint--long-term results]. / DIGITOS-Fingermittelgelenkprothese--Langzeitergebnisse.

Most important methods for the surgical treatment of painful arthritis of the proximal interphalangeal joint are the joint fusion or the implantation of a prosthesis. There are a lot of different models for joint replacement. Sixteen patients received 19 middle joint replacements performed with the DIGITOS-prosthesis between 1996 and 1999. Over a period of seven years, 14 patients with 17 prostheses have been observed prospectively. In the 7-year follow-up, a minimal radiolucent line at the bone-cement junction and huge periarticular osteophytes could be found in every case. No cortical penetration, luxation, or implant fractures were recorded. The preoperative median range of motion was 50 degrees. Postoperatively, there was an improvement to 60 degrees. The range of motion decreased to 50 degrees after one year and to as little as 30 degrees after seven years. Preoperatively, eleven patients had pain with activity and three had pain without activity. During the whole follow-up period there were only two patients who had pain at work. All patients were satisfied with the results of the operation throughout the control period and would choose the same treatment again.

[Predictive value of the HISS-scoring system for estimation of trauma severity and the time off work after hand injuries]. / Einschätzung der Verletzungsschwere sowie der Dauer der Arbeitsunfähigkeit bei Handverletzungen mit dem HISS-Bewertungsschema.

BACKGROUND: The estimation of the time off work depending on the injury pattern and severity is of major interest in the treatment of hand injuries. The predictive value of the HISS score (Hand Injury Severity Scoring System) was evaluated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: According to this score, 184 work-related injuries (1999 to 2002) were analyzed prospectively, excluding injuries of both hands. The median age was 37.9 years (18 to 65 years), 11 % of the patients were female. RESULTS: A significant correlation was established between the HISS score and the time off work (p < 0.0001, r = 0.51). The score also correlated with the degree of work incapacity (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Our data confirm the predictive value of the HISS score for the early estimation of the time off work resulting from hand injuries. However, the estimation is limited to injuries distal to the wrist.

[Treatment of flexor tendon injuries in children]. / Die Behandlung von Beugesehnenverletzungen im Kindesalter.

In contrast to the standard therapy of flexor tendon injuries in adults, the postoperative treatment program for children remains a controversial topic. Some prefer immobilization therapy in a variety of forms and for different periods of time. Others prefer early mobilization programs. We present results for twenty-eight children with thirty-seven flexor tendon injuries. The average age was 5.8 years. After primary tendon suture in children six years and younger (group A), our postoperative program consisted of immobilization for three weeks. The older children (group B) were treated with an early passive mobilization program. Follow-up examinations were carried out on twenty six of the children at three months and at 3.7 years. Three months after surgery, the children in group A showed only average results while those in group B presented good finger motion. After 3.7 years both groups showed good results.