[Extensor tendon injuries of the hand]

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Hand Surgery
• Traumatology

Background:

• Extensor tendon injuries of the hand are common and require specific treatment protocols.
• Verdan's classification system divides the hand into eight zones, guiding treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a clear overview of therapeutic options for extensor tendon injuries of the hand.
• To emphasize the importance of zone-specific treatment for optimal functional outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Review of treatment strategies based on Verdan's eight zones of extensor tendon injuries.
• Differentiation between operative and conservative treatment indications.

Main Results:

• Closed extensor tendon ruptures over the DIP joint are most frequent and typically treated with 8 weeks of immobilization.
• Open extensor tendon injuries necessitate surgical intervention.

Conclusions:

• Differentiating treatment based on anatomical zones and injury type (open/closed) is crucial for successful outcomes.
• Conservative management with immobilization is effective for closed DIP joint ruptures.
• Surgical intervention is the standard for open extensor tendon injuries.