STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review. INTRODUCTION: There exist numerous combinations of orthoses and motion protocols for the treatment of proximal extensor tendon injuries. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the optimal combination of motion protocol and orthotic treatment for the rehabilitation of proximal extensor tendon injuries (zones IV to VIII). METHODS: A systematic review of English language randomized clinical trials and cohort studies investigating extensor tendon rehabilitation from 1960 to 2016 was conducted in Medline, Embase, Cochrane, CINAHL, PEDro, and OTseeker. Outcomes of total active motion, grip strength, return to work, patient attrition, and patient-reported outcomes were compared. RESULTS: Eleven studies of predominantly average quality (1 low; 8 average; and 2 high) were included in the final review. Results were difficult to compare due to differences in reporting. Early total active motion and final grip strength were greater with dynamic extension orthoses (191 degrees to 214 degrees; 35 to 38 kg/89% contralateral side) and relative motion orthoses (205 degrees to 236 degrees; 85% to 95% contralateral side) compared to static orthoses (79 degrees to 202 degrees; 23 to 34 kg/59% contralateral side). Four studies excluded patients who did not follow up, and loss to follow-up was 12% to 33% in the other studies. Patient-reported outcomes were not comparable, as they were only included in 3 studies, and each used a different assessment tool. CONCLUSION: Average quality evidence supports the use of early active motion (EAM) as the superior motion protocol, but optimal orthosis to deliver EAM could not be determined. Prospective research should focus on patient-reported outcomes and the design of orthoses that facilitate the use of the EAM. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2a.

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