Telerehabilitation After Zone 1 and 2 Flexor Tendon Repairs: Comparison With In-Person Therapy

Abstract

Background:

Telerehabilitation (TR) gained prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic, showing promising outcomes for remote hand therapy tendon repairs. This study compares remote and in-person hand therapy outcomes for flexor tendon repairs.

Methods:

This prospective, nonrandomized comparative clinical study included 23 patients, 25 fingers with flexor tendon repairs in zones 1 and 2. Participants were divided into 2 groups: telerehabilitation (TR) group, 9 patients (10 fingers), and in-person therapy (IP) group, 14 patients (15 fingers). All surgeries were performed under wide-awake anesthesia, followed by early controlled active motion therapy with a dorsal blocking orthosis. Telerehabilitation sessions were conducted via a smartphone video conferencing app. Total active motion (TAM) and disability levels (the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Questionnaire [DASH]) were evaluated at 6, 8, and 12 weeks postoperatively. Groups were compared based on TAM scores, DASH scores, and extension deficit degrees.

Results:

The TR group included 3 women (33.3%) and the IP group did 6 women (42.9%) while median age was 27 years in TR and 33 years in IP group. Both groups showed significant improvements in TAM and DASH scores over time (P < .001). There were no significant differences between the TR and IP groups at each assessment in DASH scores, TAM scores, and extensor deficit degrees (P > .05).

Conclusion:

Clinical outcomes indicate that remote and in-person hand therapy provide similar results for patients with flexor tendon repairs in zones 1 and 2. Telerehabilitation is a viable alternative to traditional hand therapy and can be integrated into clinical practice due to its comparable results.