Reconstruction of Extensor Tendon Injury of Hand with Autogenous Palmaris Longus Graft: A Case Report

Abstract

Traumatic tendon injuries of the forearm are commonly encountered in the emergency department. Despite the frequency, few studies have examined the true incidence and outcomes of traumatic tendon injuries in the distal forearm [1]. Penetrating hand trauma is common injury encountered nowadays. We are presenting a case of a 24-year-old Indian woman with a 2 month old sharp cut injury over right distal dorsum of forearm causing rupture of Abductor Pollicis Longus (APL) and Extensor Pollicis Brevis (EPB) repaired with free Palmaris longus graft. Both tendons injured in Zone 8 were reconstructed by modified Kessler’s suture technique with Prolene 3-0 followed by below elbow cast with wrist in extension and thumb in abduction and extension. Post operatively patient had excellent result at final follow up of 6 months according to Miller’s criteria with no loss of flexion of thumb. Thus chronic extensor tendon injury is a rare presentation with few studies noting their treatment outcome. The method described here has given a good outcome and further more number of cases are required to further validate this study [2].