Extension tendon adhesion release

  After hand trauma, it is easy to cause adhesions of the tendons of the hand, resulting in the sequelae of limited finger extension and flexion, and late physical therapy is not effective. We present a patient who had a case of adhesion release of the extensor tendon of the left index finger done in January this year.  The patient, 37 years old, had a metacarpophalangeal joint dislocation of the left index finger caused by trauma one year ago, and underwent metacarpophalangeal joint incision and repositioning with internal kerf fixation in foreign countries. “The patient complained that he could not control the middle and end joints, especially when he could not do the work such as typing computer, and he could only use other fingers instead. Admission diagnosis: 1, stiffness of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the left index finger after trauma; 2, adhesion of the extensor tendon of the left index finger (the middle and distal segments of the index finger cannot be controlled). Surgical plan: 1) release the metacarpophalangeal joint first; 2) release the extensor tendon adhesions after the metacarpophalangeal joint function was restored. The metacarpophalangeal joint was released, and the metacarpophalangeal joint function was restored to about 80% after surgery with good results (to be described later). This time, the patient was admitted to the hospital and requested to have the adhesions of the extensor tendon released. The patient was admitted as follows: as can be seen from the pictures, adhesions of the extensor tendon of the left index finger resulted in significant limitation of flexion and extension of the middle and last segments and inability to grasp. The surgical design was based on a dorsal approach, and the main consideration was to release the adhesions of the extensor tendon of the index finger with the joint capsule and the proximal phalanx, as follows: the black line is the tendon mark, the red line is the surgical incision line white is the tendon, and the white surface pink is the adhesions of the tissues around the tendon. The adhesions are heavy, the extensor tendon has been embedded in the scar tissue, and there is no sliding when the extensor tendon is pulled. After releasing the soft tissues around the tendon, the index finger could be extended by pulling the tendon from the wrist. After complete release of the tendon, the patient was allowed to extend and flex on his own and was able to extend and grasp on his own. After suturing the incision, the patient was allowed to grasp. Today is the 16th postoperative day, the stitches were removed after the section, the incision is healing well, the index finger has been able to control itself, and the patient has been very satisfied. See the picture below: Of course, if the function is to be fully restored, it is necessary to go through a long time of hard functional exercises, and at the same time, to apply the “Shu Tendon External Washing Granules” developed by our hospital to take a bath, and to wear a brace at night.