How many flexor tendon zones are there?

How many flexor tendon zones are there?

Flexor tendons of hand are divided into five zones: Zone I: Extends from finger top to insertion of flexor digitorum superficialis. Zone II: This extends from insertion of flexor digitorum superficialis up to distal palmar crease. Zone III: Extends from distal palmar crease up to flexor retinaculum.

Why is Zone 2 No Man’s Land?

Bunnell, in 1918, coined the term “no man’s land” to describe zone 2 in the hand because at that time it was felt that no man should attempt repair within this zone.

Where are the flexor tendons?

Flexor tendons run from the forearm to the ends of the fingers across the palm side of the hand. They control the ability to bend fingers down to the palm (for example to make a fist, grip, or pinch objects). When these tendons are cut or injured, it can be impossible to bend the fingers or thumb.

How do you assess flexor tendon injury?

The most common signs of a flexor tendon injury include:

  1. An open injury, such as a cut, on the palm side of your hand, often where the skin folds as the finger bends.
  2. An inability to bend one or more joints of your finger.
  3. Pain when your finger is bent.
  4. Tenderness along your finger on the palm side of your hand.

Where is zone 2 in the hand?

Zone II spans from the proximal aspect of the A1 pulley to the insertion of the FDS on the middle phalanx and can be further divided into subzone A through D (11) (Fig. 15-2).

What tendons are in Zone 2?

Purpose: To determine the region of the flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) and flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) tendons in zone 2 that, when involved by a laceration repair, will reliably catch on the A2 pulley after surgery.

How do you treat flexor tendons?

The only effective treatment for a flexor tendon injury is to surgically repair the tendon(s) by sewing the cut ends together. Your hand surgeon will locate the ends of the tendon and stitch them back together. If the nerve has also been cut, it will be repaired at the same time.

How do you fix a flexor tendon injury?

Flexor tendon injuries do not heal by themselves and frequently require surgery to put the injured tendon back to its normal position. When surgery is required, a splint and hand therapy may be used after the procedure to protect you and to aid in recovery.

How many zones are in the hand?

The dorsum of the hand, wrist, and forearm are divided into nine anatomic zones to facilitate classification and treatment of extensor tendon injuries.

What are the common flexor tendons?

Anatomy. Long tendons extend from these muscles through the wrist and attach to the small bones of the fingers and thumb. The tendons on the top of the hand straighten the fingers. These are known as extensor tendons. The tendons on the palm side bend the fingers. These are known as the flexor tendons.

What are flexor tendon injuries?

Most commonly, a flexor tendon injury results from lacerations (cuts). A laceration to the forearm, hand or wrist can result in injury to the flexor tendons. When a flexor tendon injury happens there can be inability to bend the fingers, thumb or wrist.

What is a common flexor tendon tear?

A torn or cut tendon in the forearm, at the wrist, in the palm, or along the finger will make it impossible to bend one or more joints in a finger. Because flexor tendons are very close to the surface of the skin, a deep cut will most likely hit a flexor tendon. In these cases, the tendon is often cut into two pieces.

What is a flexor tendon repair?

Tendon repair is surgery done to treat a torn or otherwise damaged tendon. Tendons are the soft, band-like tissues that connect muscles to bone. When the muscles contract, the tendons pull the bones and cause the joints to move. When tendon damage occurs, movement may be seriously limited.

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