Journal of hand therapy : official journal of the American Society of Hand Therapists
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Recent studies of tendon repair are reviewed in order to help hand therapists make the most effective decisions regarding treatment of tendon injuries. Flexor tendons are emphasized by inclusion of the most current discussions and research on the different phases of intrinsic and extrinsic healing, the zones of injury, mechanical and chemical influences on tendon healing, the techniques of tendon suturing, and the timing of repair and rehabilitation. The purpose of the article is to update hand therapists on the latest research efforts concerning tendon healing in order to achieve better functional outcomes following repair of these structures.
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Bone is among the most frequently injured of tissues, and bony injuries are among the conditions most commonly treated by hand therapists. An understanding of the biology of bony tissue repair, as well as the techniques available for its promotion, is therefore of the utmost importance to practitioners of hand therapy. This article addresses the biology of bony tissue repair, techniques currently available for the treatment of bony injuries, and management of specific bony injuries of the hand.