Flexor Tendon Repair — Zones I-III

Orthopaedic Associates of Maine

Weight-Bearing

FWB; dorsal protective splint at all times including sleep

Key Restrictions

Dorsal splint (wrist 30-40° flex, MP 60° flex, IP 0°) at all times including sleep; rubber band traction for passive flexion; active extension 10x/hr; place and hold at 3-4 wks; protect until 6 wks; discharge splint at 6 wks with wristlet; tendon blocking/gliding at 6 wks; no composite wrist+finger extension at 6 wks; no resistive activities until 12 wks if good active motion; no precautions at 12 wks

Timeline & Phases

Days 2-5 (rubber band traction, active ext), Wks 1-2, Wks 3-4 (place and hold), Wk 4, Wk 6 (discharge splint, tendon blocking), Wks 7-8, Wk 12 (no precautions)

Notes

If digital nerve injury, delay exercise progression to 3-4 wks; FPL variant: wrist 20° flex, MP 15° flex, IP 15° flex