ArticlePlastic and reconstructive surgery. Global open2026
Loss to Follow-up After Tendon Repair: Impact on Functional Recovery.
Article in Plastic and reconstructive surgery. Global open, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
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Authors and funding
5 authors.
Funding
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Abstract
Background: Hand therapy is essential after flexor and extensor tendon repairs, but adherence varies, raising concerns about outcomes for patients lost to follow-up (LTFU). Previous studies identified predictors of patients being LTFU, but the functional status of these patients remains unclear. This study used the QuickDASH and Patient-Rated Wrist and Hand Evaluation (PRWHE) scores to assess whether patients LTFU achieve comparable outcomes earlier than those who complete therapy. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review for 268 patients who underwent tendon repair at our institution between January 01, 2014, and December 2, 2024. PRWHE scores, QuickDASH scores, and the number of sessions attended were collected from patients' final hand therapy appointment records. Patients were grouped by adherence: therapy completers versus patients LTFU. Functional scores at discharge or last visit were compared. Statistical analysis was performed using R. Results: The LTFU rate was 38%. Median PRWHE change was significantly lower in patients LTFU (27.5) versus completers (50), with significant differences in functional ( Conclusions: Although visit count did not strongly predict functional improvement, worse PRWHE scores in LTFU patients suggest that early dropout may compromise recovery. Efforts should focus on addressing barriers to adherence.
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