Objective To assess the long-time results of reconstruction of the extensor pollicis longus (EPL) function by transfer of the extensorindicis(EI). Methods From August 1978 to March 2003, 46 cases of loss of the EPL function were treatedby transfer of the extensor indicis. Of 46 cases, there were 32 males and 14 females, aged 16-51 years with an average of 36 years; there were 24 cases of oldtraumatic rupture and 22 cases of secondary rupture. The disease course was 2 days to 5 months, averaged 74 days. A specific EIEPL evaluation method (SEEM) wasused to measure the EPL function after transfer.Results Fortyone cases were followed up 9 years and 3 months on average (7 months to 23 years). Based on the SEEM, the results were excellent and good in 39 of 41 patients. The elevation deficit and combined flexion deficit were 0-2.2 cm (1.8 cm on average) and 0-3 cm (1.6 cm on average); the independent extension deficit was 0°-8° (5° on average). Conclusion Restoration of the extensor pollicis function by transfer of the extensor indicis is an effective and safe treatment option and the SEEM is a valid method for assessing EPL function.
In order to investigate the effect of repair of paratendon in tendon healing, two different ways were performed to repair the transected extensor tendons of chick’s toe. End to end suture of the extensor tenon was performed in group 1 while the paratendon was also repaired simultaneously in addition to suture of the tendon in group 2. Gross observation and histological examination were undertaken in the 3rd and 6th week after operation. The result showed, in group 1, extensive adhesion and irregular proliferation of fibroblasts was found in the 3rd week, severe adhesion and irregular arrangement of fibroblasts with less collagen fiber was found in the 6th week; while in group 2, smooth and regular "fusiform structure" was formed, slight adhesion and regular proliferation of fibroblasts were found in the 3rd week, adhesion disappeared and the structure of paratendon and tondon recovered in the 6th week. It was concluded that repair of extensor tendon and paratendon simultaneously could promote the intrinsic tendon healing and prevent tendon adhesion.
ObjectiveTo compare the clinical effects of early dynamic brace passive activity program and average delay activity program after the repair of extensor tendon. MethodsSeventy-eight patients undergoing repair of the extensor tendon during the period from December 2008 to October 2011 in our hospital were randomly divided into two groups.The treatment group had 36 patients who were treated with early dynamic brace passive activity program,and the other 42 patients belonged to the control group and they accepted delay activity program.TAM and FIM were used to evaluate their clinical effects six and eight weeks after surgery,respectively. ResultsThe results of TAM and FIM of the treatment group were significantly better than those of the control group (P<0.01). ConclusionThe early dynamic brace passive activity after extensor tendon injury repair can improve the clinical effect and is worth popularizing.
ObjectiveTo discuss the effectiveness of operative treatments for different kinds of old injury of extensor tendon in zone II so as to choose the best surgical approach based on the classification of injury. MethodsBetween May 2006 and May 2014, 68 cases of old injury of extensor tendon in zone II were treated. Among them, there were 50 males and 18 females with an average age of 36 years (range, 18-52 years). The causes included contusion injury in 50 cases, avulsion injury in 11 cases, and burn injury in 7 cases. The left side was involved in 21 cases and the right side in 47 cases. The injured finger involved the index finger in 18 cases, the middle finger in 21 cases, the ring finger in 24 cases, and the little finger in 5 cases. The disease duration was 1.5 months to 1 year (mean, 6.75 months). The central slip of extensor was repaired directly in 32 patients who had normal passive motion. Side cross stitch (8 cases) or Littler-Eaton (10 cases) method was used in 18 patients who can not extend actively and passively. Tendon graft was performed in 11 patients with tendon defect. Joint release was given in 7 patients with contracture after burn injury. ResultsPrimary healing of incision was obtained in all cases. Sixty-eight cases were followed up 3-12 months (mean, 6.9 months). Three cases had tendon adhesion in varying degrees and suffered from pain, which was treated conservatively by functional exercise. Recurrence was observed in 2 cases, and extensor tendon was repaired again. According to total active motion (TAM) function assessment, the results were excellent in 52 cases, good in 11 cases, fair in 3 cases, and poor in 2 cases with an excellent and good rate of 92.6%. ConclusionAdaptive operation method for old injury of extensor tendon in zone II should be selected based on the type of injury. The results will be satisfactory if correct method is chosen.