Effect of Transfer Energy Capacitive and Resistive Therapy on Pain and Range of Motion After Flexor Tendon Repair

Overview

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of Transfer Energy Capacitive and Resistive therapy (TECAR) on pain and range of motion (ROM) after hand flexor tendon repair.

Detailed description

Lacking satisfactory healing of intrasynovial tendons, such as the flexor tendons of the hand, is particularly challenging due to the formation of fibrous adhesions between the tendon, sheath and surrounding tissues which can further limit mobility.

Transfer Energy Capacitive and Resistive therapy (TECAR) enhances the body's natural ability to repair tissues and reduce pain by improving blood flow and promoting additional benefits, such as cell proliferation. This process, primarily linked to the flow of current, supports cell growth and plays a significant role in the healing process.

There is a lack in quantitative knowledge and information in the published studies about the benefits of TEcar therapy on the improvement of hand function after long flexor tendon repair . So, this study is designed to outline the therapeutic impact of TEcar therapy on pain and ROM after hand flexor tendon repair.

Interventions

• Device Transfer Energy Capacitive and Resistive (TECAR) therapy
  Before each session, cables will be checked, the therapist will explain the procedure, the patient will be positioned comfortably, and conductive cream will be applied. The active electrode will be moved in circular motions over the injured tendon while the inactive electrode will be placed under the forearm. Intensity will be set to a comfortable, moderate level based on patient sensation. Radio-frequency (RF) energy will be delivered via capacitive mode for 2 minutes per digit, then resistive
• Other Early mobilization protocol
  The dorsal splint/cast will position the wrist at neutral or 15-30° extension with metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints at 70-90° flexion, featuring low edges for exercise without removal. It will be worn full-time for the first 3 weeks post-surgery, then based on environmental safety (only during sleep and outside home if safe) for weeks 4-6. Patients will begin outpatient physical therapy from week 1 with active mobilization and home exercises every 2 hours. Dressings will be changed every other d

Primary outcome measures

• Active range of motion (ROM) of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint [Time frame: one month]
• Active range of motion (ROM) of the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint [Time frame: one month]

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion criteria

• Ages of patients will be ranged from 20 to 35 years.
• All patients underwent flexor tendon primary direct repair
• All patients will be referred by a surgeon before starting the study procedure.

Exclusion criteria

• Patient with digital nerve repairs.
• Patients with associated vascular injuries requiring arterial repair.
• Patients with associated crush injuries and soft tissue loss.
• Patients with associated bone fractures.
• Patients with associated extensor tendon injuries .
• Patients with preexisting problems limiting joint motion.
• Patients with diminished cognitive capacity.
• Patients with history of previously failed repair.
• Patients with allergic reactions to certain substances in the conductive cream
• Patients with sensation impairment .

Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.

Healthy volunteers: No

Study design

Allocation

Randomized

Model

Parallel assignment

Masking

Open label

Primary purpose

Treatment

Study locations

Egypt · 1 center

• Suez Canal University Hospital — Ismailia

Identifiers

NCT: NCT07255651 · P.T.REC/012/006005

Primary sources (government registries)

• ClinicalTrials.gov (US NIH)

View this study on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗