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Flexor digitorum profundus tendon tension during finger manipulation
Tatsuro Tanaka1, Peter C Amadio, Chunfeng Zhao
1Biomechanics Laboratory, Division of Orthopaedic Research, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
Summary
Flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) tendon tension increases with metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint extension. A modified synergistic motion may offer a useful alternative for FDP tendon rehabilitation protocols.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Biomedical Engineering
- Hand Surgery
Background:
- The flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) tendon is crucial for finger flexion.
- Zone II of the FDP tendon is susceptible to injury and adhesions during healing.
- Rehabilitation protocols aim to restore tendon gliding and function while minimizing scar tissue formation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the dynamic tension within the FDP tendon in Zone II.
- To measure digit angles during simulated rehabilitation exercises.
- To evaluate the effects of different joint positions on FDP tendon tension.
Main Methods:
- Utilized eight human cadaveric upper extremities.
- Measured dynamic FDP tendon tension in Zone II.
- Recorded metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint angles under various wrist and digit configurations.
Main Results:
- FDP tendon tension significantly increased with MCP joint extension.
- No tension was observed with the finger fully flexed and wrist extended (synergistic motion).
- Hyperextending the MCP joint to 45 degrees with IP joints flexed resulted in 1.77 +/- 0.43 N of tendon force.
Conclusions:
- Modified synergistic motion (wrist extension, MCP hyperextension, IP flexion) generates modest FDP tendon tension.
- This modified motion may serve as a viable alternative to traditional synergistic motion in FDP tendon rehabilitation.
- Understanding tendon tension dynamics is vital for optimizing post-operative hand therapy.