Orthopedic Rehabilitation Following Complex Repair of the Flexor and Extensor Tendons, Artery, and Nerve: A Case Report

Simultaneous injury of both the flexor and extensor tendons of the hand is a rare condition that can lead to significant functional impairment and is often accompanied by arterial and nerve damage. This study aims to share the clinical outcomes of the rehabilitation process following a complex hand injury. Surgical repair was performed on a patient with injuries to the flexor and extensor tendons, as well as the radial artery and median nerve, followed by an intensive and structured rehabilitation program. The rehabilitation protocol was initiated with early passive movements and later progressed to include controlled active exercises, sensory training, and muscle strengthening. Functional outcomes were evaluated over a short-term follow-up period of 12 weeks using objective clinical measures, including range of motion and grip strength. Although validated functional outcome scales such as the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand or Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation were not applied, meaningful improvements in functional hand use were observed. This case highlights that in situations where tendon, nerve, and arterial injuries occur concurrently, early and controlled rehabilitation plays a critical role in functional recovery alongside surgical treatment. However, long-term follow-up is required to fully evaluate nerve regeneration and sustained functional outcomes.

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Publication Details

Journal
Cureus
Published
2025-12-19
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.99643
Primary Topic
Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation
Type
article
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article

Orthopedic Rehabilitation Following Complex Repair of the Flexor and Extensor Tendons, Artery, and Nerve: A Case Report

Aydan Novruzova
Cureus
Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation
article

Orthopedic Rehabilitation Following Complex Repair of the Flexor and Extensor Tendons, Artery, and Nerve: A Case Report

Aydan Novruzova
article en

Abstract

Simultaneous injury of both the flexor and extensor tendons of the hand is a rare condition that can lead to significant functional impairment and is often accompanied by arterial and nerve damage. This study aims to share the clinical outcomes of the rehabilitation process following a complex hand injury. Surgical repair was performed on a patient with injuries to the flexor and extensor tendons, as well as the radial artery and median nerve, followed by an intensive and structured rehabilitation program. The rehabilitation protocol was initiated with early passive movements and later progressed to include controlled active exercises, sensory training, and muscle strengthening. Functional outcomes were evaluated over a short-term follow-up period of 12 weeks using objective clinical measures, including range of motion and grip strength. Although validated functional outcome scales such as the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand or Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation were not applied, meaningful improvements in functional hand use were observed. This case highlights that in situations where tendon, nerve, and arterial injuries occur concurrently, early and controlled rehabilitation plays a critical role in functional recovery alongside surgical treatment. However, long-term follow-up is required to fully evaluate nerve regeneration and sustained functional outcomes.

CureusVol. 17(12)
Kocaeli Üniversitesi (TR)
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 28%
Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation
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