Treatment of acute flexor tendon injury: zones III-V.
Many of the principles of flexor tendon repair and rehabilitation can be applied to zones III-V. Injuries in zones III-V are rarely isolated and neurovascular involvement is common. Because of the often extensive and unknown degree of injury, there should be a low threshold for surgical wound exploration. Primary repair of injured tendons and neurovascular structures is recommended by way of a systematic approach. Good to excellent outcomes in range of motion and tendon function can be expected; however, functional outcomes of associated nerve injuries are varied, with younger patients generally demonstrating the best results (Fig. 2E).
Athwal
George S
GS
Hospital for Special Surgery, 535 East 70th Street, New York, NY 10021, USA.
Wolfe
Scott W
SW
D005542:Forearm / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D005543:Forearm Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D014954:Wrist Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*