Time of return back to work and complications following cross-finger flaps in industrial workers: Comparison between immediate post operative mobilization versus immobilization until flap division

INTRODUCTION Previous authors have immobilized the injured hand or digits following cross finger flaps. PATIENTS AND METHODS About 3 years ago, the author adopted a protocol of immediate postoperative active and passive mobilization (without a splint) following cross finger flap surgery in industrial workers. The current study is a retrospective audit comparing postoperative complications and time of return back to work following cross-finger flaps in two groups of injured industrial workers: Group I (n=12) had immediate postoperative mobilization; and Group II (n=12) had immobilization till the time of flap division. RESULTS The complication rate was similar in both groups. However, patients in Group I returned to work earlier than those in group II and the difference was statistically significant. CONCLUSION Immediate postoperative mobilization following cross-finger flaps in industrial workers does not increase the risk of complications and has the advantage of early return to work.