A Study to Examine Patient Adherence to Wearing 24-Hour Forearm Thermoplastic Splints after Tendon Repairs

Adherence is believed to be essential in ensuring a successful clinical outcome. There is a paucity of research available investigating adherence and the effect of nonadherence in hand therapy. This study was conducted to investigate adherence relating to acute hand flexor and extensor tendon injuries. This exploratory descriptive study used a self-report questionnaire. Eighty subjects were recruited four weeks after flexor or extensor tendon repair to complete the anonymous questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the patient group profile. Chi-square test was used to determine any associations between patient profile and adherence. Seventy-six questionnaires were completed and this constitutes a return rate of 95%. Sixty-seven percent of patients reportedly removed their splints, commonly to wash and dress. No significant correlation (p ≤ 0.0001) was found between patient profile and nonadherence. Two thirds (67%) of patients report to being nonadherent to their splinting regime, removing their splint after flexor and extensor tendon repairs.