Comparison of the Repair Techniques for Extensor Tendon Injuries in the Hand By IJISRT

Abstract

Fifty three patients (97 fingers) with extensor tendon injures in the metacarpal and wrist zones were included in this prospective study, with average age of 28 years. Metacarpal zone was involved in 70% of cases and extensor tendon was injured in 82 fingers and 15 thumbs, 62% of the patients were treated surgically within 7 days of injury. In general, mattress suturing technique was used in 65 digits (67%) Kessler in 21 (22%) and Cruciate11 (11%) with splinting range between 4 to 6 weeks. After average of 5 months follow up, the results scored according to millers classifications; was excellent in thirty one fingers ( 32%), good in 49( 50.5%), fair in 14 (14.4) and poor in 3( 3.1%).In thumb, in 60% the Cruciate technique was used and Kessler in 33% and the results were excellent to good in 80% . In the other fingers, Mattress technique of suturing was used in 78%, and the Cruciate in 2.5%. 25 fingers (30.5%) were classified as excellent,43(52.5%) good, and unsatisfactory in 14(17%).In conclusion, we found that Mattress suture technique is simpler and quicker, it can be used in the repair of multiple small flat extensor tendons in multi- injured fingers. And augmented 2-strand Kessler and 4- strand cruciate techniques are stronger extensor tendon repair techniques that allows early and safely mobilization, in one or two injured fingers with tubular shape or thicker tendons.