Authors
Abstract
Background: Flexor and extensor
tendon laceration is very common. The evaluation of these injuries may help to
highlight the problem and put an end to missed diagnosis and mismanagement of
these injuries. Methods: In a retrospective
study, 852 patients who have been operated during one year (March 2011 to March
2012) in a training hospital in Shiraz, Iran were evaluated. Results: The 16-30 years old
men were mostly affected. Flexor tendon injury was more common in zone IV and
extensor tendon laceration in zone V. Associated nerve and/or arterial lacerations
were detected in 22.6% patients. Digital nerve was the most commonly injured nerve
followed by ulnar nerve. Radial or ulnar artery lacerations were seen in 6.1%
of the patients. Conclusions: Digital nerve is the
most commonly injured nerve and should be examined precisely. The high number
of affected patients in short period and the
possibility of missed diagnosis by non orthopaedic physicians may signify the
importance of termination of mismanagement of these injuries by general
practitioners and specialists other than orthopaedic surgeons.
Keywords
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