Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Research on hand braces is relatively backward, which is difficult to be promoted widely. Zone II extensor tendon has a complex structure, and poor recovery is commonly seen after injury. The main treatment for zone II extensor tendon injury is the fixation with plaster slab, plywood and polymer materials, and up to now, there is no ideal brace for zone II extensor tendon injury.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of home-made multi-function hand brace on the repair of zone II extensor tendon injury.
METHODS: Seventy-six patients with zone II extensor tendon injury were randomly divided into test group and control group, with 38 in each group. In the test group, patients were given appropriate rehabilitation education and multi-function hand brace based apart from conventional hand surgery on zone II extensor tendon; in the control group, patients underwent conventional hand surgery and guiding functional training. Total active motion of the extensor tendons of fingers were evaluated at 1, 2, 3 months after treatment; and the manual dexterity and fine motor of the hand were assessed at 2 and 3 months after treatment.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The difference in the total active motion of extensor tendons of fingers was of great significance between the two groups at 1, 2, 3 months after treatment (P < 0.05). The Minnesota manual dexterity and fine motor of the hand also showed significant differences between the two groups at 2 and 3 months after treatment(P < 0.05). Patient’s cost-effectiveness analysis results showed that the total cost of the two groups had no statistical significance (P > 0.05), but less cost was used for one point increase in the above-mentioned three functional scores of the test group than the control group (P < 0.05), indicating the implementation of cost-effective treatment. This home-made brace can prevent adhesions and anchylosis during the postoperative auxiliary exercise; meanwhile, it can improve the range of motion, flexibility and fine motor ability of the hand and has a higher cost performance in the postoperative adjuvant exercise therapy of zone II extensor tendon injury.

Key words: Hand Injuries, External Fixators, Traction