Achieving immediate active motion by using relative motion splinting after long extensor repair and sagittal band ruptures with tendon subluxation

Abstract

In compliant adult patients with extensor tendon laceration(s) in zones V to VII, relative motion splinting of the lacerated tendon(s) provides support from the intact tendon(s), allowing immediate active motion and a less morbid course. Cadaver study shows how this simple splint allows full-fingers interphalangeal and metacarpophalangeal active motion, except for 10° to 15° less metacarpal phalangeal total active motion of the repaired digit(s). Relative motion splinting also permits immediate active motion after tendon graft reconstruction of extensor subluxation from sagittal band rupture at the metacarpophalangeal joint, creating a centralizing pulley with the graft.