The Outcomes of Extensor Tendon Repair Based on Timing of Repair

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Hand Surgery
• Trauma Surgery

Background:

• Limited understanding of how repair timing affects extensor tendon surgery outcomes.
• Investigating the relationship between extensor tendon injury-to-repair interval and patient results.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if the time from extensor tendon injury to surgical repair influences patient outcomes.
• To compare functional results based on early versus delayed surgical intervention.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective chart review of patients undergoing extensor tendon repair.
• Patients divided into two cohorts: repair <14 days post-injury vs. repair ≥14 days post-injury.
• Analysis stratified by injury zone (1-4 and 5-8) with statistical comparison using t-tests and ANOVA.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in final total active motion (TAM) or extension between acute (<14 days) and delayed (≥14 days) repair groups across zones 1-8.
• Specific results for zones 1-4: TAM (142.3° vs. 137.4°), Extension (2.37° vs. 2.13°).
• Specific results for zones 5-8: TAM (199.4° vs. 172.7°), Extension (6.82° vs. 5.77°).

Conclusions:

• Surgical repair timing (within 2 weeks vs. >14 days) does not affect final range of motion in extensor tendon injuries.
• No significant differences observed in secondary outcomes like return to activity or surgical complications.
• Findings suggest that delayed extensor tendon repair is a viable option without compromising functional outcomes.