Abstract
Introduction: Extensor tendon injury in zone I is a very common injury, which could lead to impaired hand function without proper treatment. This injury is characterized by flexion in DIPJ without possibility of active extension.
Material and methods: The study group included 48 patients with isolated injury to dorsal aponeurosis of one finger, between 4 months to 15 months from the primary injury. The indication for surgical therapy of chronic injuries is a consequence of failure of conservative management.
All patients underwent surgery under local anaesthesia on out-patient basis. There was a 0.8 - 1.2mm Kirschner wire introduced from the apex of the finger, and it was subsequently hidden under the skin.
Fixation was removed after 8-9 weeks. Immediately after removal of the K-wire, OVALE type splint was applied.
This was used for night splinting after K-wire removal for a total of 2-3 months, while splinting during the day lasted only for 2-3 weeks during which it was gradually removed. Results: Treatment was very well accepted by the patients due to the minimal limitation in their daily life.
None of the patients developed infectious complications. 6 patients complained shortly of greater tenderness in the area of the scar under the nail. 2 male patients experienced failure of therapy, DIPJs became stiff in semiflexion; there was no active extension. These were patients in whom it was difficult to mobilize the finger to extension before the surgery. 27 patients achieved full range of motion to flexion and extension. 14 patients had extension limited to 10-30 degrees. 12 patients had reduced flexion in DIPJ by 20-30 degrees in comparison with the other hand.
In spite of these minor reduction of ROM, the results of therapy were accepted well by the patients.