Extensor Tendon Injuries –Repair, Reconstruction, and Rehabilitation-A study of the dynamic anatomy of extensor tendons and implications for treatment

A study of the dynamic anatomy of extensor tendons and implications for treatment

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This document discusses a study on the dynamic anatomy of extensor tendons and its implications for treatment. The study correlates the excursion of the extensor tendons in certain zones of the fingers and thumb with joint motion. The excursion was estimated through various means, including literature review, biomechanics calculations, and intraoperative observations. The study suggests guidelines for controlled motion for extensor tendons based on their 6 years of experience in treating extensor tendon injuries with early passive motion. Immobility after surgical repair of extensor tendon injuries is traditional, but the authors propose that early passive motion can reduce complications such as adhesions and joint contractures. A pilot study using early passive motion in treating extensor tendon injuries was conducted on 36 patients. The results were encouraging, with an average total active range of motion of 210.41° achieved for the 66 fingers treated. The authors discuss the rationale for early passive motion and the biomechanical considerations involved in determining tendon excursion. They also describe the postoperative management protocol they used, which included a dynamic extension splint and controlled motion exercises. The authors plan to conduct a prospective study comparing traditional immobilization with early mobilization techniques in the treatment of extensor tendon injuries.

Keywords

extensor tendons

treatment implications

excursion

joint motion

controlled motion

extensor tendon injuries

early passive motion

complications

range of motion

biomechanical considerations