A Retrospective Hospital-Based Study to Evaluate the Results of Extensor Tendon Injuries of the Hand, Wrist, and Forearm Treated Surgically in a Tertiary Care Hospital.

Introduction The important factors determining the treatment of extensor tendon injuries include the anatomical zone, type of injury, mode of injury, chronicity, and pathology of the adjacent tissues (principally the skin, bone, and joints). Very few studies have collectively studied the outcomes of all the wrist, forearm, and hand extensors. Hence, the major aim of this study was to evaluate the results of extensor tendon injuries of the hand, wrist, and forearm that were treated surgically. Methodology This was a hospital-based retrospective study done in a tertiary teaching hospital in South India. A total of 30 patients (23 males, seven females) were included in the study. All the cases of extended tendon injuries of the wrist, hand, and forearm were treated surgically, and those willing to participate were included in the study after obtaining institutional ethics committee approval. Results The study included 30 patients, predominantly males (76.66%). The majority were aged 31-40 years (33.33%). Occupational injuries were the most common cause (36.66%), followed by road traffic accidents (RTAs) and glass cuts (26.66%). Right-sided injuries were more frequent (56.66%), with zone VI being the most affected (43.33%). Extensor digitorum communis was the most injured tendon (40%). Various suture techniques were used, including horizontal mattress and modified Kessler's. Complications occurred in four patients, including hematoma and surgical site infections. Functional outcomes, assessed by Miller's Criteria, indicated extension lag and flexion loss as key recovery measures. Conclusion Hand function is essential for daily life activities, and optimal repair and reconstruction of extensor tendon injuries are crucial to avoid functional disability. While the present study demonstrated positive outcomes, further research with larger sample sizes and more rigorous designs is needed to validate these findings and improve treatment strategies for hand injuries.

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Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Institutional Ethics Committee Government Medical College, Ongole issued approval IEC/GMC-OGL/198/2024. Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.