title: Early dynamic splinting for extensor tendon injuries.
abstract: Extensor tendon injuries are traditionally splinted with no motion for 3 to 4 weeks after repair. This may result in limitation of flexion because of extensor tenodesis at the site of repair. To prevent this, we used a dynamic splinting program opposite to the one that is used for flexor tendon repair, with an outrigger splint holding the fingers in extension and allowing full active flexion. Fifty-two patients who had extensor tendon repairs in the area from the wrist to the middle of the proximal phalanx were treated. Motion was begun 2 to 5 days after repair and was continued for approximately 5 weeks. No tendon ruptures occurred, and all patients recovered full flexion.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic Surgery, The Cleveland Clinic, Ohio 44106.
authors.forename: E Z
authors.initials: EZ
authors.lastname: Browne
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Ribik
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D006225:Hand; D006801:Humans; D012421:Rupture; D013165:Splints; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000628:therapy*