Extensor tendon repair in the emergency department

• Published in: The Journal of emergency medicine Vol. 4; no. 3; pp. 217 - 225
• Main Authors: Calabro, Joseph J., Hoidal, Charles R., Susini, Lawrence M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY Elsevier Inc 1986; Elsevier
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Emergencies; emergency department; extensor tendon; extensor tendon zones; Finger Injuries - surgery; Hand Injuries - surgery; Humans; Injuries of the limb. Injuries of the spine; Medical sciences; Splints; Suture Techniques; technique of tendon repair; Tendon Injuries; Tendons - surgery; Traumas. Diseases due to physical agents; emergency department; extensor tendon zones; technique of tendon repair; extensor tendon; Human; Surgery; Tissue rupture; Diseases of the osteoarticular system; Surgical anastomosis; Hand; Extensor digitorum muscle; Trauma; Tendon
• ISSN: 0736-4679; 2352-5029
• DOI: 10.1016/0736-4679(86)90045-4

Extensor tendon lacerations of the hand are commonly seen in the emergency department. These injuries can often be definitively managed by the emergency physician who has a working knowledge of the complex extensor mechanism anatomy plus basic surgical skills. A thorough initial assessment including a tourniquet examination for adequate exposure is the key to making the complete diagnosis. Surgical indications, materials, techniques, complications, and postoperative management involved in extensor tendon repair are reviewed. The emergency physician's decision to treat or refer these injuries will depend greatly on the clinical setting, familiarity with the procedure, and the availability of and relationship with appropriate consultants.