Article Review: Relative Motion for Extensor Tendon Repair zone V-VI? Is a night-time resting hand orthosis beneficial?
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Hirth, M. J., Hunt, I., Briody, K., Milner, Z., Sleep, K., Chu, A., Donovan, E. & O’Brien, L. (2021). Comparison of two relative motion extension orthotic programs following surgical repair of finger extensor tendons in zones V-VI: A randomized equivalence trial. Journal of Hand Therapy-to be published.

The Skinny: Following a zone V-VI tendon repair, relative motion splint is an effective option in providing adequate protection and preventing tendon rupture/attenuation. There is variability in relative motion splinting approaches, including replacing the relative motion orthosis with a larger orthosis overnight or adding a wrist orthosis. Due to this variability, the authors looked to determine if the splinting regime mattered. The study compared two splinting regimes following an extensor tendon repair in zone V-VI. Group one was a relative motion orthosis alone, and group two was a relative motion orthosis and a night-time orthosis.
In the Weeds: The study compared two splinting regimes (relative extension splint) following an extensor tendon repair in zone V-VI. Group one was a relative motion orthosis alone, and group two was a relative motion orthosis and a night-time orthosis following. They termed the groups as follows RME and wrist orthoses worn at the same times are terms ‘RME plus,’ and without a wrist, orthosis was termed‘ RME only.’ A total of 32 subjected were enrolled in the study and 17 were randomized into the RME and night-time splinting group, and 15 were enrolled in the RME at all times groups.
Outcomes measures included a range of motion, grip strength, return to work, pain, hand function, satisfaction, and orthotic adherence.
Bringing it Home: Both interventions produced similar outcomes and with no increase in rupture rate and similar results in the outcome measures.
Rating: The authors recommenced tailoring therapy interventions based on patient needs rather than being protocol-based. The study limitations include a small sample size. Also, it was a multisite study, so difficult to control for variations in therapeutic approaches and surgical techniques. A night-time resting hand orthosis may provide more comfort for patients.
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