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.

Cutting a finger flexor tendon — the tendon that allows you to bend your fingers — is a serious injury that requires surgery and careful rehabilitation. After the repair, the hand is usually placed in a protective splint while healing occurs. Two splints are currently used: the traditional forearm-based dorsal blocking splint (which is longer and more restrictive) and the shorter Manchester short splint (which allows more wrist movement). It is not yet clear which one leads to better outcomes. This randomised trial will compare the two splints directly, measuring hand function, quality of life, range of motion, and grip strength at multiple points during the recovery process. Participants will be randomly assigned to one splint type after their surgery. This study is open to adults admitted to the Royal Adelaide Hospital with a traumatic finger flexor tendon injury who undergo surgical repair. People with major associated injuries (such as fractures or significant nerve damage), those unable to commit to follow-up appointments, or those on WorkCover are not eligible.