Extension Tendon Rupture

What is Extension Tendon Rupture?

Extensor tendons are essential structures located on the dorsal (back) side of the hand and fingers. Their primary function is to facilitate the straightening of the fingers by transmitting the force generated by the extensor muscles to the bones of the fingers. This action is crucial for a wide range of hand movements, from grasping objects to performing fine motor tasks.

Vulnerabilities and Common Injuries

Due to their anatomical location on the back of the hand and fingers, extensor tendons are particularly susceptible to injury. Common scenarios leading to extensor tendon damage include:

Minor Cuts: Shallow cuts on the back of the hand or fingers can directly impact the extensor tendons, potentially causing tears or ruptures.
Jamming Injuries: Forceful impacts, such as getting a finger jammed in a door frame or during sports activities, can lead to severe stress on the tendons, resulting in rupture or detachment from the bone.

Types of Deformities Associated with Extensor Tendon Ruptures

Injuries to the extensor tendons can lead to various finger deformities, each with distinct clinical presentations and treatment requirements:

• Mallet Finger:
  • Description: Mallet finger occurs when the distal extensor tendon is torn or ruptured, causing the fingertip to droop and preventing it from fully extending.
  • Causes: Typically results from a direct blow to the fingertip, such as a ball striking the finger during sports.
  • Symptoms: Pain, swelling, and the inability to straighten the fingertip.
• Boutonnière Deformity:
  • Description: This deformity involves damage to the central slip of the extensor tendon, which results in the inability to extend the middle joint of the finger, while the fingertip remains extended.
  • Causes: Often caused by a forceful blow to the finger or chronic conditions that affect tendon integrity.
  • Symptoms: Pain, swelling, and a distinctive bent appearance of the finger with the middle joint flexed.
• Lacerations or Cuts of the Tendon:
  • Description: Direct cuts or deep lacerations to the extensor tendons can disrupt the tendon’s ability to function properly, leading to difficulties with finger extension.
  • Causes: Commonly result from accidents involving sharp objects or tools.
  • Symptoms: Pain, visible cuts, swelling, and impaired ability to extend the affected fingers.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial for managing extensor tendon injuries and preventing long-term complications. The process typically involves:

• Physical Examination: A thorough examination by Baulkham Hills Chiropractors to assess finger movement, pain levels, and tendon function.
• Imaging Studies: X-rays or MRI scans may be used to evaluate the extent of tendon damage and any associated bone injuries.

Treatment Options Include:

• Conservative Management: For minor injuries, treatment may involve rest, ice, and splinting to immobilise the affected finger and allow for tendon healing.
• Surgical Intervention: Severe tendon ruptures or deformities may require surgical repair to reattach the tendon and restore normal finger function.
• Rehabilitation: Post-treatment rehabilitation is essential to regain strength, flexibility, and range of motion. Physical therapy may include exercises to improve finger extension and overall hand function.

Prevention Strategies

To reduce the risk of extensor tendon injuries, consider the following preventive measures:

• Protective Gear: Wear gloves or hand protection during activities that pose a risk to the hands and fingers.
• Safe Practices: Use tools and equipment safely to avoid accidents that could lead to tendon injuries.
• Strengthening Exercises: Regularly perform hand and finger strengthening exercises to enhance tendon resilience.

Conclusion

Understanding the role and vulnerabilities of extensor tendons is essential for preventing and managing finger injuries. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can significantly impact recovery and restore hand function, allowing individuals to return to their daily activities with minimal disruption.

Here at Precision Health, we offer services such as chiropractic care and massage therapy which can aid in your recovery from Extension Tendon Rupture. Call (02) 9639 7337 or visit our website to book an appointment now!

National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), 2018. Overview of Orthopedic Disorders. [online] Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459181/ [Accessed 6 August 2024].

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