Comparing rehabilitation methods for finger tendon injuries

Early Active Motion in the Rehabilitation of Flexor Tendon Injuries: Short Splint Versus Relative Motion: a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional Insel Gruppe AG, University Hospital Bern · NCT05078476

This study is testing two different rehab methods for adults recovering from finger tendon surgery to see which one makes them happier with their recovery after 13 and 26 weeks.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorInsel Gruppe AG, University Hospital Bern Academic / other
Locations1 site (Bern)
Trial IDNCT05078476 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate two different rehabilitation protocols for patients with flexor tendon injuries in Zones I and II after surgery. The protocols being compared are the Manchester Short Splint and Relative Motion Flexion, focusing on patient satisfaction at 13 and 26 weeks post-surgery. Participants will be adults who have undergone surgical treatment for primary flexor tendon injuries and will be monitored for their recovery and satisfaction levels. The study is conducted at the Inselspital Bern, ensuring a controlled environment for assessment.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older with primary flexor tendon injuries in Zones I-V of the fingers or thumb.

Not a fit: Patients with replantation of the injured finger, fractures, or those requiring primary tendon reconstructions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved rehabilitation protocols that enhance patient satisfaction and recovery outcomes for finger tendon injuries.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on tendon rehabilitation, this specific comparison of protocols is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Informed consent as documented by signature
* ≥ 18 years old
* Understanding of the German language (written and oral)
* Single and multiple finger injuries
* Primary flexor tendon injuries in Zone I-V for the fingers and/ or thumb
* Treated by the hand surgery department at the Inselspital Bern
* Treated with at least a 4-strand core suture

Exclusion Criteria:

* \< 18 years old
* Inability to follow the procedures of the study, e.g. due to language problems, diagnosed psychological disorders or dementia of the patients
* Replantation of the injured finger
* Fracture of the injured finger
* Primary tendon reconstructions

Where this trial is running

Bern

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Flexor Tendon Rupture
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.