Investigation of Resistance of Digital Subcutaneous Edema to Gliding of the Flexor Tendon: An In Vitro Study

Simulated edema significantly increases energy and force required to move the tendons. The increase in resistance was proportionate to the severity and area of the edema. These results suggest that postoperative edema may increase significantly the resistance to tendon motion and that limiting both the severity and size of edema likely will reduce the resistance.