EXTENSOR TENDON INJURIES

Extensor tendons take place on the upper surface of the hand. They play role in lifting the hand and fingers. Extensor tendons are chorda extensions of forearm muscles extending to the fingers. Tendons in the finger tapers and flattens. Besides chorda extensions staring from muscles of the palm (lumbrical and interosseos) also participates to the extensor mechanism which lifts the fingers. (Figure 1.2)

They play important role in finger movements and coordination.

Extensor tendons are just under the skin. Therefore, extensor mechanism injury may arise even with small cuts. After traumas such as compression and crashing, disconnection of thin tendons by dissevering from bone connection points (mallet finger, boutoniere deformity) may be observed. Fingers up-lifting is not performed after extensor mechanism injuries. Surgical treatment may gain old functions in extensor tendon injuries.

Treatment of extensor mechanism cut or disintegration is provided by sewing the cut or disintegrated area. For injuries which is close to finger joints, joints should be fixed by a wire to protect continuity of sutured thin tendon structure. Because of natural features of the extensor tendon, 5 weeks of brace treatment is required for relaxing and not having debility for lifting the finger up.

In cases that extensor mechanisms separate from connection of the extensor mechanism after compression and crushing (mallet finger, boutoniere deformity), re-connection of the tendon from disintegration place is provided by methods such as bracing, finger ring application, using three point braces. Patient compliance is very important in these treatment methods. Another treatment option is to fix by threading pin from bones and joints.