The general postoperative immobilization protocol consisted of plaster cast immobilization (including the wrist and/or elbow) for 10 to 12 days (since 2015, this was reduced to 3e5 days), followed by a thermoplastic orthosis (including the wrist and, based on the surgeon’s preference, also elbow immobilization) for 6 weeks after surgery, after which the orthosis was phased out within 6 weeks. Postoperative immobilization varied slightly based on the surgeons’ preference and patients’ needs. All patients were advised to follow an extensive rehabilitation program consisting of exercises under the direct supervision of a hand therapist: tendon-gliding exercises for the fingers were initiated immediately following surgery, wrist flexion/extension exercises were initiated 2 weeks after surgery, and pronation/supination and strengthening exercises were initiated after 6 weeks after surgery.