Comparative effectiveness of three splints for rehabilitation after finger flexor tendon repair (FIRST): randomised controlled trial

To compare the clinical effectiveness of three splints after repair of zone 1 and 2 flexor tendons: forearm based (long), Manchester short (short), and relative motion flexion (mini) splints.

Prospective, randomised, parallel group, pragmatic, superiority, clinical trial.

26 UK hospitals.

430 participants (aged ≥16 years) requiring rehabilitation after primary repair of zone 1 and 2 flexor tendons in one or two fingers of the hand according to British Society for Surgery of the Hand guidelines.