The effect of flexor tendon adhesions on finger range of motion.
Proximal phalanx flexor tendon adhesions reduced total finger flexion by 32.6°
The effect of flexor tendon adhesions on finger range of motion.
Bony and soft tissue hand injuries are common and their ensuing management can result in adhesions between tendons and the surrounding bone, soft tissues or inserted hardware.
The aim of this study was to quantify the degree and pattern of digital motion loss due to adhesions at various levels of the flexor apparatus in a cadaveric model.
Ten cadaveric limbs underwent range of motion assessment of the digits in a standardized fashion.
Extension decreased by 9.2°.
When a simulated adhesion was placed between the FDP tendon and middle phalanx, median total flexion reduced by 14.4°, predominantly occurring at the distal interphalangeal joints.
Extension decreased by 8.6°.
Adhesions in the flexor apparatus led to restrictions in both flexion and extension range, with distal interphalangeal joints flexion being disproportionately affected.
Interestingly, adhesions at different locations yielded similar patterns of motion loss, likely secondary to the FDPs substantial role in digital flexion.
These findings may inform hypothesis for clinical practice and may assist in the future management of flexor tendon injuries, though must be taken in the context of a cadaveric, FDP dominant model.