Extensor Tendon Repair — Zones V-VII

Orthopaedic Associates of Maine

Weight-Bearing

FWB; volar wrist orthosis (30° wrist ext) continuously except exercises

Key Restrictions

No PROM and no strength testing at initial evaluation; volar wrist orthosis (30° wrist ext, MCP 0°) continuously except exercises; no composite flexion until 6-10 wks; protected PROM in-therapy only (3-5 days); AROM tenodesis at 3 wks; composite MP/IP flexion at 4 wks; orthosis only as needed 6-10 wks (if no extensor lag); resistance strengthening at 10-12 wks

Timeline & Phases

3-5 days (orthosis, protected PROM in therapy only), 3 wks (AROM tenodesis), 4 wks (composite MP/IP flex, monitor lag), 6-10 wks (orthosis as needed, composite flex if no lag, light strengthening), 10-12 wks (resistance strengthening)

Notes

No PROM or strength testing at initial evaluation; no composite flexion until 6-10 weeks; IP joint inclusion dependent on repair site relative to juncturae tendinum; monitor for extensor lag throughout