[Interdisciplinary experimental studies on the biomechanics of extensor and flexor tendon injuries of the hand]

The interdisciplinary experimental computer test for determination of the biomechanics of extensor and flexor tendon injuries at the distal phalanx of the fingers were performed with the aid of the finite element method. By input of the extreme boundary values (stress, biomechanic system, deformation and movement behavior, material coefficent distribution), it was possible to simulate clinically occurring injuries. Pathogenetically crucial for the type of injury are chance factors, which lead to a particular constellation of static or dynamic stress conditions. Accordingly, maximal stress exceeding the material coefficients occurs either in the region of the tendon or at the bone insertion. The finite element procedure reproduces the maximal main, normal and shearing stress at the site corresponding to the rupture and has proven to be a suitable method of simulation and analysis.