Reverse Belfast Regime Extensor Zone 5-7

Patient Information Sheet

The injury that you have sustained damaged the tendon(s) that straighten your finger(s). These tendon(s) were repaired during your surgery. You will have been sent home in a cast to allow you to rest for the first few days following your surgery.

At your first hand therapy appointment you will be provided with a splint by the hand therapist to protect your tendon(s) whilst they heal. The rehabilitation programme is designed to protect your repaired tendon(s) but allow your hand to move as much as possible to prevent stiffness and scarring. It is very important that you only do the exercises described and follow all instructions carefully.

Your therapist will guide you through this process.

You should contact St James’s Hospital at 01 4162305 and ask for Hand Therapy if:

• You are suddenly unable to straighten your finger(s).
• You are concerned that you may have an infection. Some signs of infection are: increased redness around the wound, throbbing, increased swelling, a fever, and discharge from the wound that is foul smelling or coloured.

The Splint  

• The splints protect your repaired tendons to allow them to heal.
• Do not remove the splint
• Keep the splint/wound clean and dry

The Exercises

• Complete the following exercises every 2 hours.
• Keep your splint on when doing your exercises.

Exercise 1	Exercise 2	Exercise 3
Place and hold	Straight Hand	Hold

Return to resting position after each exercise. Do each exercise 5 reps X 2hourly