Assessment of Hand Function After Tendon Repair at Enugu State University Teaching Hospital

Flexor and extensor tendon injuries of the hand are common traumatic presentations requiring prompt surgical repair and structured rehabilitation to restore functional grip and dexterity. This prospective observational study assesses hand function outcomes following primary tendon repair at Enugu State University Teaching Hospital (ESUTH), South East Nigeria. Patients undergoing zone I to III flexor or extensor tendon repair over a nine-month period will be enrolled and followed up at three and six months post-operatively. Outcome measures will include total active motion (TAM), grip strength measured with a Jamar dynamometer, and patient-reported function using the DASH (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand) questionnaire. Data on delay from injury to repair, wound contamination at presentation, rehabilitation adherence, and complications including rupture and adhesion formation will be systematically documented. The study hypothesises that delayed repair (greater than 72 hours) and poor rehabilitation compliance are the primary predictors of inferior functional outcomes. Results will inform departmental protocols on timing and post-operative care for tendon injuries. This research contributes to building a local evidence base for hand surgery in South East Nigeria, where formal hand surgery subspecialty services are limited. Keywords: tendon repair, hand function, total active motion, DASH questionnaire, Enugu.