A randomised comparative trial of patients following surgical repair of finger flexor tendons, comparing the effect of two splints, on patient-reported hand function and quality of life and clinician-reported range of motion and grip strength.
A randomised comparative trial of patients following surgical repair of finger flexor tendons, comparing the effect of a Manchester short splint versus a forearm-based dorsal blocking splint, on patient-reported hand function and quality of life and clinician-reported range of motion and grip strength.
Nicola Williams, Royal Adelaide Hospital
66 participants
Oct 27, 2025
Interventional
Conditions
Summary
The aim of this study is to compare outcomes between two splints used after surgical repair of flexor tendon injury, namely the forearm-based dorsal blocking splint and Manchester short splint. Outcomes will include patient-reported hand function and quality of life, and clinician-reported range of motion and grip strength.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria1
- Admitted to the Royal Adelaide Hospital with traumatic, finger flexor tendon injury who undergo surgical repair. Tendon injuries can include those to zones 1-5, to one or multiple flexor tendons, to one or multiple digits, with only other minor structures damaged (e.g., pulley, digital nerve).
Exclusion Criteria1
- Refuse consent. Other major injuries (e.g., fracture, major nerve injury [as associated with poorer outcomes]). Unable to understand written/spoken English. Major psychiatric/psychological problems. Self-inflicted injury. Unable to commit to returning for follow-up out-patient appointments. Patients who sustain the injury at work and are subsequently on Work Cover (as hand therapy occurs in private setting).
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Interventions
The study intervention is the Manchester short splint. This is a splint that extends from the back of the wrist crease to the fingertips. As per usual clinical practice, this splint will be custom-made by a hand therapist (physiotherapist or occupational therapist) and applied within the first 5 days post-operatively, with instructions to wear the splint full time for the first 6 weeks post-operatively (this may be shortened to approximately 5 weeks if indicated due to severe adhesions/stiffness and/or difficulty regaining range of motion, as per usual clinical practice). The position of joints within the splint will, as per usual clinical practice, be customised for the zone of repair and the position modified if required by individual factors such as associated nerve repair/tension. Participant feedback about adherence to splint wear will be recorded.
Locations(1)
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ACTRN12625000758404