# A Retrospective Hospital-Based Study to Evaluate the Results of Extensor Tendon Injuries of the Hand, Wrist, and Forearm Treated Surgically in a Tertiary Care Hospital

## TL;DR

This study evaluates surgical outcomes for extensor tendon injuries in the hand, wrist, and forearm at a South Indian hospital.

## Contribution

The study provides a comprehensive evaluation of surgical results for extensor tendon injuries across multiple anatomical regions.

## Key findings

- Occupational injuries were the most common cause of extensor tendon injuries.
- Zone VI was the most frequently affected area, with extensor digitorum communis being the most injured tendon.
- Functional outcomes showed extension lag and flexion loss as key recovery measures.

## Abstract

Introduction

The important factors determining the treatment of extensor tendon injuries include the anatomical zone, type of injury, mode of injury, chronicity, and pathology of the adjacent tissues (principally the skin, bone, and joints). Very few studies have collectively studied the outcomes of all the wrist, forearm, and hand extensors. Hence, the major aim of this study was to evaluate the results of extensor tendon injuries of the hand, wrist, and forearm that were treated surgically.

Methodology

This was a hospital-based retrospective study done in a tertiary teaching hospital in South India. A total of 30 patients (23 males, seven females) were included in the study. All the cases of extended tendon injuries of the wrist, hand, and forearm were treated surgically, and those willing to participate were included in the study after obtaining institutional ethics committee approval.

Results

The study included 30 patients, predominantly males (76.66%). The majority were aged 31-40 years (33.33%). Occupational injuries were the most common cause (36.66%), followed by road traffic accidents (RTAs) and glass cuts (26.66%). Right-sided injuries were more frequent (56.66%), with zone VI being the most affected (43.33%). Extensor digitorum communis was the most injured tendon (40%). Various suture techniques were used, including horizontal mattress and modified Kessler’s. Complications occurred in four patients, including hematoma and surgical site infections. Functional outcomes, assessed by Miller’s Criteria, indicated extension lag and flexion loss as key recovery measures.

Conclusion

Hand function is essential for daily life activities, and optimal repair and reconstruction of extensor tendon injuries are crucial to avoid functional disability. While the present study demonstrated positive outcomes, further research with larger sample sizes and more rigorous designs is needed to validate these findings and improve treatment strategies for hand injuries.