Use of a relative motion flexion orthosis with dorsal hood to protect a middle phalanx finger fracture and zone III extensor tendon repair, while correcting a secondary fixed flexion proximal interphalangeal joint flexion contracture: A case report

The anatomy and biomechanics of the extensor mechanism is complex and essential to understand when rehabilitating patients who have had an extensor zone III injury or surgery. The complexity of the extensor mechanism starts in extensor zone V after the sagittal bands stabilize the extensor digitorum communis (EDC) at the metacarpophalangeal joint (MCPJ). In zone IV the EDC trifurcates into two lateral slips and the central slip. The lateral slips are joined by tendons of lumbricals and interossei muscles to form the conjoined lateral bands.
Source: Journal of Hand Therapy - Category: Rehabilitation Authors: Source Type: research