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Rupture of the extensor of the extensor of the finger: the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment

Alexey Portnov, medical expert
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024

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ICD-10 code

S63.4. Traumatic rupture of the ligament of the finger at the level of the metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joint (s).
S63.6. Stretching and damage to the capsular-ligament apparatus at the finger level.

trusted-source [1], [2], [3], [4]

What causes rupture of the extensor of the extensor of the hand?

Rupture of the extensor tendon of the finger of the hand occurs on two levels: at the level of the proximal interphalangeal joint (type I) or at the level of the terminal phalanx (type II).

Pathology occurs with a direct impact on the back of the finger or indirectly - with a sharp load along the longitudinal axis of the finger with excessive tension of the tendon.

Symptoms of rupture of the extensor of the finger extensor

The first type. There is pain at the time of injury, then a moderate swelling of the finger and a typical deformation - Weinstein's double contracture: flexion in the proximal and extension in the distal interphalangeal articulation. Passive straightening of the finger is free, but when the passive force is removed, the contracture appears again.

The second type. Following the trauma, the terminal phalange occupies the flexion position, there is no active extension. Passive extension is kept in full.

Diagnosis of rupture of the extensor of the extensor of the hand

In the second type of lesion on the X-ray, in some cases, a bone plate of triangular shape is detached from the back surface of the nail phalanx.

trusted-source [5], [6], [7], [8]

Treatment of rupture of the extensor of the finger extensor

Conservative treatment of the extensor tendon rupture of the hand

Conservative treatment of tendon rupture of the extensor of the finger of the hand is possible only with fresh rupture of the extensor of the extensor of the finger of the second type. The finger is fixed with a gypsum longus in the "writing position" - the nail phalanx is overdrawn and the middle phantom is bent. Term immobilization 6 weeks.

Surgical treatment of the extensor tendon rupture of the hand

Operative treatment of the rupture of the extensor of the extensor of the finger of the hand is shown for all ruptures of the tendon of the extensor of the finger of the first type of hand and for stale discontinuities of the second type. The primary tendon suture is applied, and in late terms one type of plastic is used.

Then immobilization with plaster gypsum for 4 weeks is shown.

Restorative treatment after the elimination of casts consists of active and passive gymnastics of the damaged finger, thermal procedures (paraffin, ozocerite), hydrotherapy. Very useful are domestic exercises (occupational therapy) - washing small things in warm soapy water, playing musical instruments, etc.

Estimated period of incapacity for work

Proceed to work after 6-8 weeks.

trusted-source [9], [10]

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