A Repair of Sagittal Band for Subluxation of the Extensor Tendons at the Metacarpophalangeal Joint / 대한정형외과학회잡지

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Subluxation of the extensor tendon that result from sagittal band injury at the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint can lead to joint pain and limit the range of motion in fingers. Upon the injury mechanism, other causes except rheumatoid arthritis are relatively uncommon, and studies regarding the operative management are also sparse. We performed a direct repair of sagittal band and attempted to report clinical results of our experience in patients without application of conservative management. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Authors retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 26 patients who underwent operative treatment for extensor tendon subluxation. There were 23 males and 3 females with the mean age of 39.9 years old. All patients had an injury on the long finger, and presenting an ulnarward extensor tendon subluxation. Nine patients were injured from the direct blow, 14 patients from the flicking finger, and 3 patients from the resisted finger flexion. The mean time interval between the injury and operation was 27.5 days. The mean duration of follow-up was 14.6 months. As clinical results, authors evaluated visual analogue scale, MCP joint range of motion, total active motion (TAM), 3rd finger tip pinch power, and recurrence of extensor tendon. RESULTS: The mean final MCP joint flexion was 89.6° with 22.8° of extension. The mean TAM was 248° without a significant difference between opposite hands. The mean tip-pinch power was 3.4 kg (7.5 lb), which also did not have any significant difference with contralateral hand. Herein, we did not experience subluxation recurrence, and all but one was pain-free at the final outpatient clinic follow-up. CONCLUSION: A direct repair of the sagittal band for the extensor tendon subluxation presented a favorable clinical outcome. Therefore, we can suggest that such a method can be a treatment option for patients not undergoing conservative management.