Scar prevention by low level laser therapy on surgical wound post hand flexor tendon repair

Eman M. Othman, Amr A. Elgrahi, Mohammad H. Ahmad, Rokaia A. Toson


Eman M. Othman, Amr A. Elgrahi, Mohammad H. Ahmad, Rokaia A. Toson – Scar prevention by low level laser therapy on surgical wound post hand flexor tendon repair. Fizjoterapia Polska 2022; 22(5); 40-47

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56984/8ZG20A8mY

Abstract

Objective. To evaluate the effect of an early intervention of Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) on incisional wound scar formation and range of motion (ROM) of interphalangeal (IP) joints post surgical repair of hand flexor tendon laceration.
Material and methods. Thirty male patients between the ages of 20 and 40 who underwent unilateral zone II flexor tendon repair of the hand were assigned randomly into two equal groups in number of 15 patients each group. Group (A) (Laser therapy group) received early LLLT in addition to post surgical medical care while the group (B) (Control group) received only post surgical medical care. The primary outcomes were color, pigmentation, pliability and height of wound scars which was measured by Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS). In addition to Total Active Motion (TAM) of hand’s digits which measured by hand goniometer. The assessment was taken after 4 weeks and 12 weeks postoperative.
Results. After 12 weeks compared to after 4 weeks in both groups, there was a significant decrease in the VSS and a significant increase in Total Active Motion (TAM) according to within group comparisons (p < 0.001). When compared to the control group at 4 and 12 weeks, the laser group had a significantly lower VSS and a significantly higher TAM (p < 0.01).
Conclusion. Early applications of LLLT post surgical repair of flexor tendon improve TAM and minimize scar formation.

Keywords:
flexor tendon repair, low level laser therapy, scar prevention, zone II, surgical wound

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