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Updated: Dec 27, 2025
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Published on: December 10, 2021
Recent Developments Are Changing Extensor Tendon Management
Wyndell H Merritt1, Alison L Wong1, Donald H Lalonde1
1From the Division of Plastic Surgery, Virginia Commonwealth University/Medical College of Virginia; Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Virginia; Division of Plastic Surgery, Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Center; and Dalhousie University.
Learning Objectives:
After reviewing this article, the participant should be able to: Start early protected movement at 3 to 5 days after surgery with relative motion extension splinting for zone 5 extensor tendon lacerations over the hand. Allow patients to resume regular activities much sooner than the conventional 3 to 4 weeks of splinting after extensor tendon repair. Improve the rehabilitation of boutonniere deformities with relative motion splinting.
Summary:
This article focuses on surgery and rehabilitation of extensor tendon injuries from the proximal interphalangeal joint (boutonniere) to the wrist. Relative motion flexion and extension splinting and wide awake, local anesthesia, no tourniquet surgery have revolutionized the management of these lesions, with early protected movement, sooner return to regular activities, and improved rehabilitation. This article explains and illustrates these new advances in extensor tendon management.
