EPL Repair

Orthopaedic Associates of Maine

Weight-Bearing

FWB; thumb spica splint continuously until 7 wks

Key Restrictions

No PROM and no strength testing at initial evaluation; thumb spica (thumb palmar/radial abduction, IF slight hyperextension, wrist 20° extension) continuously 3-5 days through 6 wks; AROM only from 4-6 wks; PROM at 6 wks; wean splint at 6 wks (reduce 1 hr/day); discontinue splint at 7 wks; monitor for extensor lag throughout

Timeline & Phases

3-5 days (thumb spica splint continuous), 4-6 wks (AROM thumb IP ext, splint continuous except exercises), 6 wks (PROM, wean splint), 7 wks (discontinue splint, dynamic flexion, putty strengthening)

Notes

No PROM or strength testing at initial evaluation; monitor for extensor lag during splint weaning; EPL is the extensor pollicis longus (thumb extensor)