Extensor tendon traumatic gap reconstruction

Repair of extensor tendon defects or gap injuries often require complicated surgical techniques. Unlike flexor tendons, which have good excursion that can help mobilize the flexor tendon allowing for repair of up to 1 cm gaps, extensor tendons only have 1-2 mm of excursion, especially in Verdan’s extensor Zones 1 to 5. Furthermore, a 1-mm tendon gap in Zones 1 to 5 may cause 20 degrees extension loss or shortening of the extensor tendon, and a gap even as small as 1 mm may cause decreased finger flexion. Due to such significant potential damage and loss of function caused by extensor tendon defect injuries, especially in Zones 1-5, solutions most often require some type of reconstruction techniques.