Extensor tendon injuries of the fingers

Abstract

Lacerations of the wrist and digit extensor tendons are common, owing to their relatively exposed and superficial location. The management of injuries to the extensor mechanism demands the same amount of skill and knowledge required for the car of flexor tendon injuries. The extensor mechanism in the fingers is thinner and does not hold sutures as well as flexor tendons do. At the wrist and forearm, the extensor tendons are more substantial and hold sutures better, but they may be repaired with the erToneous assumption that success will be inevitable if the terldon ends can be approximated. (Slater and llynum, 1997)

The superficial position oft he extensor tendons 011 the dorsum of the hand render them susceptible to injury. The intimate association of the tendons to bone and joint capsule also means these structures are olicn injmed together. Although much has been wt itt en cttnccming the trcatlliCllt or t:XtCnSor tendon injuries. relatively It!tic has been published COI1Ccrtti11g tltc qual tty or result alicr rep;1ir. Current concepts suggest that extensor injuries heal well if treated apprnpnately.