Introduction: This study compares a simple finger-based splint (notably, there is no wrist component) with the conventional forearm based resting splint in the post-operative management of extensor tendon repairs.

Method: A retrospective review of 32 consecutive single finger zone V & VI extensor tendon repairs. 14 patients were treated with the conventional immobilisation regime of splinting for 4 weeks before mobilisation, avoiding 'at-risk' activities for 8 to 10 weeks. Functional mobilisation began at about 7 days post-operatively in 18 patients after application of a modified relative motion splint (mRMS). The mRMS is a finger-based splint designed to keep the injured finger extended by 20° relative to adjacent fingers. All patients in this group had a night forearm based resting splint to prevent unintentional wrist flexion.

Results: All patients in the mRMS group were able to perform activities of daily living after the application of the mRMS, 11/18 (61%) returned to work (full or light duties) within two weeks and 8/13 (62%) manual workers returned to full duties by 6 weeks. In the immobilisation group, none returned to work within 4 weeks and no manual workers in this group returned to any form of duties by 6 weeks.

Discussion: The application of a mRMS is simple, enables early mobilisation and quicker functional return to daily living and work. This significantly decreases the personal and social costs of this injury.

Conclusion: This study demonstrated that a mRMS can be applied in the post-operative management of Zone V and VI extensor tendon repairs.