Long-term results of extensor tendon repair

A retrospective analysis was done in 62 patients with 101 digits having extensor tendon injury. Quality of outcome and parameters that might influence outcome were evaluated. The majority of patients were treated with conventional static splinting. Sixty percent of all fingers sustained an associated injury (fracture, dislocation, joint capsule or flexor tendon damage). Patients without associated injuries achieved 64% good/excellent results, and total active motion of 212 degrees. This difference was statistically significant (p less than 0.05). Distal zones (1 to 4) had a significantly poorer result than more proximal zones (5 to 8). The percentage of fingers losing flexion was greater than the percentage of fingers losing extension. In addition, the average degree loss of flexion was greater than the average degree loss of extension. This would seem to indicate that loss of flexion may be a more significant complication from extensor tendon injury than previously thought.