Comparisons of the Bone Mineral Density in Dominant and Nondominant Forearm Following Clean-Cut Tendon Injuries, Repair, and Passive Mobilization

Abstract 

Tendon lacerations at the distal forearm are a common clinical problem. The aim of this study is to investigate whether there is any significant bone loss of the dominant and nondominant forearm due to early passive mobilization in surgically treated patients for acute tendon-artery-nerve clean-cut injuries at the wrist level. Fifty-eight dominant right-handed patients who underwent such an operation were enrolled in this study. Patients were divided into two groups. Patients in group 1 (n=26) were operated on for dominant forearm clean-cut injuries; patients in group 2 (n=29) were operated on for nondominant forearm clean-cut injuries. Bone mineral density (BMD) measurements of ulna and radius were obtained at weeks 1 and 6, and at months 3 and 12 after the operation. Bone mineral density (BMD) of the radius and ulna did not change significantly with time in group 1 (p>0.05). In group 2, BMD measurements were reduced significantly more with time in the mid-diaphysis and distal regions of the ulna and in the ultra-distal region of the radius. Most BMD decreases were observed at month 3 of the study. Eventually, these bone losses were found to be recovered at month 12.

Key Words: Bone mineral density, dominant hand, immobilization, tendon injury