The effects of low-level laser therapy in extensor tendon injuries between zones 5 and 8 of the hand: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study.

Objectives: This study aims to examine whether low-level laser therapy (LLLT), when combined with conventional therapy, contributes to the rehabilitation of patients with zone 5 to 8 extensor tendon injuries. Patients and methods: A total of 55 patients (44 males, 11 females; mean age: 34.2±11.3 years; range, 18 to 55 years) with hand extensor tendon injury were included in the double-blind randomized controlled study between April 30, 2020, and December 30, 2020. Controlled active motion protocol was applied to all patients. In addition, LLLT was applied to one group and sham laser to another group for 10 sessions. Patients were evaluated at baseline and four and eight weeks after intervention. Visual Analog Scale for pain, Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire for upper extremity symptoms and functions, and nine-hole peg test for hand dexterity were used. The range of motion of the hand and metacarpophalangeal joint circumference were measured. Grip strength was evaluated only at the eighth postoperative week. Results: In both groups, significant improvement was observed in all evaluation parameters, except for wrist range of motion at the eighth postoperative week measurement (p<0.05). When the clinical outcomes were compared between the groups, no significant difference was observed in all clinical parameters both in the fourth and eighth week measurements after intervention (p>0.05). Conclusion: In our study, no additional contribution of LLLT to the rehabilitation of extensor tendon injuries between zones 5 and 8 was observed.