Definition

Tendons are responsible for connecting muscles to bone. The extensor tendons are located on the back of the hand and fingers. They let you open your hand and straighten your fingers. An extensor tendon injury is a cut or tear to one of these tendons. When they are damaged, you can lose the ability to extend your hand and/or finger(s). Two common extensor injuries are:

• Mallet finger—the tendon is affected at the last joint on the finger, usually from a jammed finger
• Boutonniere Deformity—the tendon is affected at the middle joint, usually caused by an arthritis-like condition

Causes

Extensor tendon injuries may be caused by:

• A cut or laceration to back of hand or fingers
• Broken bones
• A crush injury
• An open wound or cut
• Jamming a finger
• Arthritis
• Nerve compression

Risk Factors

Factors that may increase your chance of an extensor tendon injury include:

• Participating in certain sports
  • Basketball
  • Football
• Arthritis

Symptoms

Symptoms may include:

• Inability to open hand or fingers
• Pain
• Numbness or weakness
• Cut to back of the hand or fingers
• Jammed finger

Diagnosis

You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. During the exam, you will be asked to bend and straighten your fingers. Your doctor will also check your fingers for sensation, blood flow, and strength. You may be referred to a hand surgeon or an orthopedist—doctor who specializes in bones.

Images may be taken of your hand. This can be done with x-ray.

Treatment

Talk with your doctor about the best plan for you. Depending on the type of injury, you may require surgery. Surgery may be scheduled right away or within several days.

Treatment options include the following:

After surgery, you will be given a splint to protect your hand. You will be told how long to wear it. It may be up to two months.

A physical therapist or occupational therapist will work with you for several weeks to regain your strength and range of motion. Right after surgery, movement will be limited. This will allow your hand to heal.

Prevention

Extensor tendon injuries are typically caused by accidental injuries. There are no known prevention guidelines for this injury.

Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons http://orthoinfo.aaos.org

Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation http://www.canorth.org

Leggit JC, Meko CJ. Acute Finger Injuries: Part I. Tendons and Ligaments. Am Fam Physician. 2006 Mar 1;73(5):810-816. Available at:
http://www.aafp.org/afp/2006/0301/p810.html
Accessed September 25, 2014.

To P, Watson JT. Boutonniere deformity. J Hand Surg Am. 2011;36(1):139-142.

Zhang X, Yang L, et al. Treatment of bony boutonniere deformity with a loop wire. J Hand Surg Am. 2011;36(6):1080-1085.