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Drill Penetration Injury to Extensor Tendons: A Biomechanical Analysis
Jared M Mahylis1, Anora K Burwell1, Laura Bonneau2
11 Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, USA.
Hand (New York, N.Y.)
|April 29, 2017
Summary
Extensor tendon failure after drill injury during volar plate fixation is rare. Cyclic loading caused modest elongation, with drill mode not significantly impacting results.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Biomechanics
- Tendon injury
Background:
- Extensor tendon failure after drill injury during volar plate fixation is not well understood.
- This study investigates the effects of simulated drill penetration on extensor tendons.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze extensor tendon injury following simulated drill penetration.
- To assess changes in tendon displacement during cyclic loading after drill injury.
Main Methods:
- Extensor pollicis longus (EPL) and extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) tendons were harvested from cadavers.
- Tendons underwent simulated drill penetration (continuous or oscillating) and cyclic loading (1-15 kg, 1 Hz, 1200 cycles).
- Failure at drill sites and changes in displacement were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Complete extensor tendon failure was rare; only one EPL tendon failed.
- Tendon type, injury mode, and location did not significantly affect displacement.
- Cyclic loading resulted in modest elongation, with mean displacement varying between tendon types and injury modes.
Conclusions:
- Complete extensor tendon failure from drill penetration is uncommon.
- Drill mode did not influence tendon elongation.
- Increased cyclic loading after drill injury leads to minor extensor tendon elongation.
