The occasional extensor tendon laceration repair

Description: Rural physicians commonly have patients present to the emergency department with injuries to the hand. Occasionally, these injuries involve extensor tendons. Extensor tendon injuries are more common than flexor tendon injuries, due largely to the fact that extensor tendons are less protected and are more superficially located. The strategy used to manage an extensor tendon injury varies with the location of that injury. For this reason, optimal management of a hand extensor tendon injury requires an understanding of extensor tendon anatomy and function. The other principle regarding extensor tendon injuries is that these injuries should not be underestimated. Care and attention during initial treatment is an important aspect of ensuring good outcome, or at least to minimize deformity. This article reviews extensor tendon anatomy and terminology, and then reviews briefly the management of hand extensor tendon injuries with a focus on repair of lacerated tendons.
The occasional extensor tendon laceration repair C. Stuart Johnston, MB ChB, MSc(Eng) Civil, CCFP Harvey V. Thommasen, MD, MSc, CCFP, FCFP Amy Thommasen, BSc CJRM 2006;11(2):120-125