Orthopedic pitfalls in the emergency department: closed tendon injuries of the hand

Closed tendon injuries of the hand are frequently seen in the emergency department. Unlike open tendon injuries, however, these injuries are often missed on initial presentation. Early recognition and treatment can decrease the pain, dysfunction, and long-term sequelae associated with these injuries. This review article examines the clinical presentation, historical factors, diagnostic techniques, and management options applicable to the emergency practitioner. Injuries discussed include rupture of the flexor digitorum profundus, mallet finger, central slip rupture, extensor hood rupture, and ulnar collateral ligament injury.