What are the extensor tendons of the wrist?
Extensor tendons are just under the skin. They lie next to the bone on the back of the hands and fingers and straighten the wrist, fingers and thumb (Figure 1). They can be injured by a minor cut or jamming a finger, which may cause the thin tendons to rip from their attachment to bone.
Do extensor tendons have sheaths?
6, 13 These tendons are associated with tendon sheaths, which are lined by synovial cells. However, since there is no sheath around the extensor tendons at the level of the metacarpophalangeal joint and distal to the wrist retinaculum, it is unclear why inflammation is found around these structures.
How many extensor tendons are in the wrist?
Finger Extensors The tendons travel down the forearm through a tough band of tissue on top of the wrist. The band of tissue, or retinaculum, holds the tendons in place but allows them to slide up and down the arm. The four tendons then continue along the back of the hand and onto each finger.
How long does it take for an extensor tendon to heal?
Your tendon will take up to 12 weeks to completely heal and it is important to follow all advice to avoid rupturing your tendon.
What are extensor tendons?
Extensor tendons, located on the back of the hand and fingers, allow you to straighten your fingers and thumb. These tendons are attached to muscles in the forearm. As the tendons continue into the fingers, they become flat and thin.
What are the 6 extensor compartments?
The dorsal extensor tendons pass under an extensor retinaculum and are divided into 6 compartments, as follows: Extensor pollicis longus tendon. Common finger extensors (extensor digitorum communis [EDC] tendon) dorsal to the capitotrapezoid articulation. Extensor digiti minimi tendon to the fifth digit.
What are the tendon sheaths in the hand?
The tendon sheaths in the human hand work as a series of elastic pulleys to help transmit forces from the muscles to the joints, as the tendon sheaths can flatten down when the finger straightens and bulge out when the finger bends.
Can extensor tendon heal on its own?
In some cases, damage to the extensor tendons can be treated without the need for surgery, using a rigid support called a splint that’s worn around the hand. Common causes of tendon injuries include: cuts – cuts across the back or palm of your hand can result in injury to your tendons.
How do you repair an extensor tendon?
Surgery will be required in order to repair the damaged tendon. A small incision is made to locate the ends of the tendon and they are then stitched back together. Because extensor tendons are easy to reach they are relatively easy to repair.
Where are the extensor tendons located?
Extensor tendons are just under the skin, directly on the bone, on the back of the hands and fingers. Because of their location, they can be easily injured even by a minor cut.
Where are the extensor tendons of the hand?
The extensor tendons run along the back of the hand and wrist and extend the fingers. These are tendons you see on the back of your hand when you flex the fingers.