Flexor Tendon Repair Rehabilitation Protocols
14 Flexor Tendon Repair rehabilitation protocols from 4 institutions, published 2017–2023. Weight-bearing progressions vary by institution — compare them in the table below before selecting a protocol.
Compare by institution
| Institution | Weight-Bearing | Key Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| Lahey Hospital & Medical Center — Zone 1 & 2 (Primary Repair… | N/A | Dorsal Block Splint (wrist 10-20 deg flexion, MCP 40-50 deg flexion, IPs neutral) day and night until 5.5-6… |
| Lahey Hospital & Medical Center — Zone 2 (Early Active Motion… | N/A | Dorsal Block Orthosis at all times 0-2 wks; Manchester Short Orthosis from 2 wks, worn at all times until 4… |
| Orthopaedic Associates of Maine — Zones I-III | FWB; dorsal protective splint at all times including sleep | Dorsal splint (wrist 30-40° flex, MP 60° flex, IP 0°) at all times including sleep; rubber band traction for… |
| University of Virginia Orthopaedic Surgery — Flexor Pollicis… | NWB surgical arm | Do not initiate if significant edema/stiffness present; no end-range thumb extension; no resistance… |
| University of Virginia Orthopaedic Surgery — Zones I-IV… | NWB surgical UE | Use when therapy delayed >10 days postop OR significant edema/stiffness present; no active finger flexion; no… |
| University of Virginia Orthopaedic Surgery — Zones I-IV Early… | NWB surgical UE | NOT for patients starting therapy at or beyond postop day 10; requires ≥4-strand repair and surgeon… |
| University of Virginia Orthopaedic Surgery — Zones I-IV Early… | NWB surgical UE | "You can move the hand, but you cannot use it"; NOT for patients starting therapy ≥day 10; requires ≥4-strand… |
| UW Health — Flexor Pollicis Longus (FPL) Repair — Modified… | NWB surgical UE | No lifting/pushing/pulling >2 lbs through Phase III (8 weeks); no functional use of thumb; WHFO dorsal… |
| UW Health — Flexor Pollicis Longus (FPL) Repair — Early… | NWB surgical UE | No lifting/pushing/pulling >2 lbs through Phase III (8 weeks); no functional use of thumb; no weightbearing… |
| UW Health — Flexor Tendon Staged Repair (Two-Stage — Zones… | NWB surgical UE | Stage 1: no functional use; pulley tapes/rings for repaired A2/A4 pulleys worn continuously 6-8 weeks; Stage… |
| UW Health — Zones I–III Early Active Motion (EAM) | NWB surgical UE | Elevate and immobilize 3-5 days before starting motion; orthosis 24/7 (including bathing) through 5.5-6… |
| UW Health — Zones I–III Modified Duran (Passive) | NWB surgical UE | Orthosis 24/7 through 6-8 weeks; no composite finger/wrist extension; no functional use; passive protocol… |
| UW Health — Zones IV–V Conservative | NWB surgical UE | WHFO (wrist 20-30° flexion, MCPs 60° flex, IPs ext) full time; no passive wrist ext/composite finger ext; no… |
| UW Health — Zones IV–V Early Active | NWB surgical UE | WHFO (wrist 20-30° extension, MCPs 30° flex, IPs ext) full time; no passive wrist ext/composite finger ext… |
All 14 Flexor Tendon Repair protocols
Flexor Tendon Repair — Zone 1 & 2 (Primary Repair / Modified Duran Protocol)
Lahey Hospital & Medical Center
Flexor Tendon Repair — Zone 2 (Early Active Motion Protocol)
Lahey Hospital & Medical Center
Flexor Tendon Repair — Zones I-III
Orthopaedic Associates of Maine
Flexor Tendon Repair — Flexor Pollicis Longus (FPL) Repair — Early Active Place and Hold
University of Virginia Orthopaedic Surgery
Flexor Tendon Repair — Zones I-IV Delayed Mobilization
University of Virginia Orthopaedic Surgery
Flexor Tendon Repair — Zones I-IV Early Active Place and Hold
University of Virginia Orthopaedic Surgery
Flexor Tendon Repair — Zones I-IV Early True Active Flexion (St. John)
University of Virginia Orthopaedic Surgery
Flexor Tendon Repair — Flexor Pollicis Longus (FPL) Repair — Modified Duran
UW Health
Flexor Tendon Repair — Flexor Pollicis Longus (FPL) Repair — Early Active Motion
UW Health
Flexor Tendon Repair — Flexor Tendon Staged Repair (Two-Stage — Zones I–II)
UW Health
Flexor Tendon Repair — Zones I–III Early Active Motion (EAM)
UW Health
Flexor Tendon Repair — Zones I–III Modified Duran (Passive)
UW Health
Flexor Tendon Repair — Zones IV–V Conservative
UW Health
Flexor Tendon Repair — Zones IV–V Early Active
UW Health