Extensor Tendon Injuries –Repair, Reconstruction, and Rehabilitation-Case: Extensor Tendon Injuries_ Repair, reconstruction and rehabilitation

Case: Extensor Tendon Injuries_ Repair, reconstruction and rehabilitation

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This document discusses extensor tendon injuries in the thumb, specifically focusing on repair, reconstruction, and rehabilitation. The case presented is a 50-year-old female who is unable to extend her left thumb, which occurred two days after recovering from a wrist fracture. There was no recent trauma reported. <br /><br />The initial evaluation includes considering the differential diagnosis and assessing the patient's history for any relevant information. Exam findings play a crucial role in diagnosing the condition. Additional imaging may be needed to gather more information. <br /><br />The next step in the management process is determined based on the evaluation. Non-operative treatment might be considered, depending on the specific case. Additional imaging may also be required to guide the treatment plan. <br /><br />In the case of delayed extensor pollicis longus (EPL) rupture after a distal radius fracture, operative intervention may be necessary. Options for surgical repair include direct repair, intercalated graft, or tendon transfer, such as the extensor indicis proprius (EIP) to EPL transfer or the Pulver-taft weave technique. <br /><br />The rehabilitation process typically involves post-operative splinting for the first 0-2 weeks, followed by a removable thumb spica splint for 2-6 weeks. During this time, active flexion and passive extension exercises are performed. From 6-12 weeks, the splint is gradually removed, and active interphalangeal (IP) extension exercises and progressive strengthening are initiated. <br /><br />In summary, this document provides an overview of extensor tendon injuries in the thumb, addressing diagnosis, management, and rehabilitation protocols.

Keywords

extensor tendon injuries

thumb

repair

reconstruction

rehabilitation

differential diagnosis

imaging

non-operative treatment

operative intervention

surgical repair