A. Early Active Short Arc Motion (SAM) protocol, as developed by Evans and Thompson: Therapy begins as early as 24 hours after surgery. 1. The involved digit is splinted with the PIP and DIP at 0 degrees in a volar thermoplastic splint at all times excluding exercise. 2. Two template splints are used during active exercises to control the excursion of the repaired tendon and the application of stress. a. Template splint no. 1 (Fig. 20-4, A and B) allows 30 degrees of PIP flexion and 20 to 25 degrees of DIP flexion b. Template splint no. 2 (Fig. 20-5, A to C) supports the PIP at neutral and allows DIP flexion. (1) Full DIP flexion is allowed in template splint no. 2 if the lateral bands were not repaired. (2) DIP flexion is limited to 30 to 35 degrees if the lateral bands were repaired; active DIP extension is emphasized.