Extensor Tendon Injuries –Repair, Reconstruction, and Rehabilitation-Extensor Tendon Injuries –Repair, Reconstruction, and Rehabilitation Overview

Extensor Tendon Injuries –Repair, Reconstruction, and Rehabilitation Overview

Pdf Summary

Tendon injuries to the extensor tendons in the hand can result in various deformities and loss of function. Acute injuries are typically treated with splint immobilization or direct suture repair, while more complex injuries require surgical repair in an operating room environment. The damaged tendon ends must be handled carefully to avoid scar formation and minimize tendon shortening. Anatomy of the extensor tendons includes the extrinsic and intrinsic muscles, retinacular compartments, and stabilizing structures. Different zones of injury in the hand are described for extensor tendon injuries, with specific treatment and management options based on the location of the injury. Chronic extensor tendon disorders include conditions such as boutonnière deformity, swan neck deformity, chronic EPL rupture, chronic ECU rupture, and chronic EDQ rupture. These conditions usually result from inflammation, attrition, or trauma, and result in weakness or loss of extension in the affected digits. Treatment options for chronic extensor tendon disorders range from conservative management with hand therapy to operative repairs, such as tendon grafting or tendon transfers. Various complications can arise from these treatments, including residual weakness, rerupture, over-tightness, or scarring of the tendons.

Keywords

Tendon injuries

Extensor tendons

Hand deformities

Loss of function

Surgical repair

Anatomy of extensor tendons

Chronic extensor tendon disorders

Treatment options

Weakness

Conservative management