Abstract
Objective
This case report presents a comprehensive rehabilitation protocol and outcomes for zone 5 forearm injuries involving tendons and neurovascular structures. Phase-specific rehabilitation strategies were used to maximize functional recovery. The findings provide clinical guidance for managing this rare injury, offering insights into rehabilitation approaches and expected outcomes.
Design
Case Report.
Participation
A 46-year-old right-handed male sustained a severe glass-induced open forearm injury during badminton. Emergency surgery revealed complete ruptures of: vascular structures (radial artery, ulnar artery and vein), nerves (ulnar, median, and little finger digital nerves), and tendons (flexor pollicis longus, flexor digitorum profundus and superficialis of digits 2–5, flexor carpi radialis, flexor carpi ulnaris, and palmaris longus)
Rehabilitation Program
A 7-month progressive rehabilitation protocol was implemented for zone 5 flexor tendon injuries with ulnar/median nerve damage, with adjustments based on recovery progress.
Outcome Measures
Postoperative rehabilitation progress was assessed through clinical and functional measures.
Conclusion
Early surgery combined with a structured rehabilitation protocol achieved excellent functional recovery, with 70–90% wrist and digit range of motion restoration, improved grip strength and activities of daily living by 12 weeks, progressive sensorimotor recovery between 20–28 weeks, and successful work return by 10 weeks, demonstrating this protocol's efficacy for complex neurotendinous injuries.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.