title: Extensor tendon injuries in children.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study retrospectively analyzes primary extensor tendon repairs in children younger than 15 years.
  
  
  METHODS
  Exclusion criteria were skin loss, devascularization, fractures, or flexor tendon injuries. Fifty patients who had sustained extensor tendon laceration with 53 digits injured were available for review. Treatment consisted of primary repair of the extensor tendon injury within the first 24 hours. The results were assessed by means of total active motion system and by Miller's rating system. The mean follow-up was 2 years.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Although 98% of the digits were rated as good or excellent according to the total active motion system and 95% according to Miller's classification, 22% of the fingers showed extension lag or loss of flexion at the last follow-up.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Pejorative influencing factors were injuries in zones I, II, and III; children younger than 5 years (P < 0.05), and complete tendon laceration. Articular involvement had no significant influence on final outcome.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Robert Debre Hospital, Paris VII University, Paris, France. franck.fitoussi@wanadoo.fr
authors.forename: Frank
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Fitoussi
authors.forename: Alina
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Badina
authors.forename: Brice
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Ilhareborde
authors.forename: Etienne
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Morel
authors.forename: Ravut
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ear
authors.forename: Georges F
authors.initials: GF
authors.lastname: Penneçot
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D017677:Age Distribution; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005383:Finger Injuries / Q000145:classification*; D006801:Humans; D007103:Immobilization / Q000379:methods; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000145:classification*; D013933:Thumb / Q000293:injuries*; D016896:Treatment Outcome