Splintage in the treatment of sagittal band incompetence and extensor tendon subluxation. (March 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Peelman, J.; Markiewitz, A.; Kiefhaber, T.; Stern, P.
• Is Part Of: Journal of hand surgery. Volume 40:Number 3(2015:Mar.)
• Page Start: 287
• Page End: 290
• Publication Date: 2015-03
• Subjects: Extensor mechanism -- extensor subluxation -- extensor tendon -- sagittal band -- sagittal band splint; 617.575059
• DOI: 10.1177/1753193414530591
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1753-1934

Abstract

This study assessed the success of splintage for traumatic and atraumatic sagittal band incompetence and its relationship to the duration of symptoms before treatment. A retrospective review of all patients with sagittal band incompetence treated with splintage was performed. All patients had extensor tendon subluxation on physical examination. Ninety-two patients were included: 68 traumatic and 24 atraumatic. Subluxation resolved with splintage in 77 patients. Traumatic tendon subluxation resolved in 95% of acute injuries, 100% of subacute injuries, and 67% of chronic injures. Atraumatic tendon subluxation resolved in 100% of patients with acute presentation, 67% of patients with subacute presentation, and 57% of patients with chronic presentation. Surgery was rarely required. Splintage proved very effective for acute sagittal band incompetence, regardless of causation, but decreased in efficiency with chronicity. Level of evidence: Level 4