Hemilateral band technique for reconstructing gap defects in the terminal slip of the extensor tendon.

Introduction: Injuries to extensor tendon are a common problem seen by hand surgeons. Most often, these injuries can be primarily repaired. On occasion, however, the injury may lead to an actual substance loss in the extensor tendon, precluding primary approximation of the cut ends. The hemilateral band technique provides a solution to this problem.

Methods: The hemilateral band technique involves creation of a new terminal slip to bridge gaps in the extensor tendon using half of each lateral band in the finger. This study included patients with extensor tendon injury in zone I. At final follow-up, the available range of motion at the distal interphalangeal joint was recorded.

Results: Six patients were operated using the hemilateral band technique from 2007 to 2009. All patients had extensor tendon substance loss with average gap of 12 mm (5 to 20 mm). At final follow-up, which averaged 14 months, all patients had a good outcome with an average motion arc of 37 degrees. No patient showed loss of intrinsic function at the proximal interphalangeal joint because of harvesting half of each lateral band.

Conclusions: The hemilateral band technique is an effective method for reconstructing a gap deficiency in the terminal slip of the extensor tendon of a finger.