Rehabilitation protocol

All patients received the same rehabilitation protocol. Immediately postoperatively, the patient was maintained in continuous passive motion as an inpatient and then as an outpatient twice per day for 30-45 minutes for 4 weeks, set from 0 to 140° in all patients. Static progressive splints for flexion in the evening and extension in the morning for 30 minutes each were continued for 3-6 months postoperatively as needed. Additionally, patients were seen by a therapist within 24 hours for removal and debulking of the surgical dressing and to begin supervised occupational therapy and home exercises with a focus on concentrated weighted forearm stretches, and aggressive active and passive exercises encouraged. Strengthening was begun at 6-8 weeks postoperatively.