Extensor Tendon

Question 1

How many extensor tendon zones are there?

Answer 1

7 zones

Start and end on a joint with 1 being DIP and 7 being wrist; zones alternate joint/interjoint areas (every odd number is a joint, every even number is between joints)

Question 2

How many extensor tendon zones are there on the thumb?

Answer 2

5 zones

1 being the IP and 5 being the wrist

Question 3

What are the 3 extensor zone groups?

Answer 3

-1 and 2: DIP, distal finger (distal)
-3 and 4: PIP, proximal finger (middle)
-5,6,7: MP, dorsal hand, wrist (proximal)

Question 4

For tendon injuries, the mobility progression changes due to concern for the tension in the tendons. What is the mobility progression for tendon injuries?

Answer 4

Immobilization, PROM, AROM
(This is because strictly controlled PROM will have less tension than AROM)

Question 5

What diagnosis/injury is associated with an extensor tendon injury in zone 1 and 2?

Answer 5

Mallet finger

Question 6

What immobilization splint is used for an extensor tendon injury in zone 3 and 4?

Answer 6

Standard PIP static splint

Question 7

What immobilization splint is used for an extensor tendon injury in zone 5, 6, 7?

Answer 7

Pan splint (full hand extension, including MCPs, slight wrist extension)

Question 8

Keyline for extensor tendon injuries?

Answer 8

“Full extension, no tension”
-Tension-limiting mobility progression BREAKS the norm