Outcomes of outpatient hand extensor tendon injury repairs in Northern Ireland's regional plastic surgery service.

BACKGROUND

Acute extensor tendon injuries of the hand, commonly managed by plastic surgeons, require timely repair to optimize outcomes. This study evaluates the functional results, complications, and patient-reported outcomes of acute extensor tendon repairs performed in an outpatient setting using the Wide Awake Local Anaesthetic No Tourniquet (WALANT) technique in Northern Ireland.

METHODS

A retrospective service evaluation analyzed 222 patients undergoing extensor tendon repair between 2018 and 2023. Inclusion criteria were adults (>18 years) with open injuries repaired via sutures. Exclusions included partial tears, fractures, and chronic injuries. Primary outcomes included Total Active Motion (TAM) and Patient-Rated Wrist/Hand Evaluation (PRWHE) scores. Secondary outcomes were infection, rupture rates, and grip strength.

RESULTS

Mean age was 41 years, with 72.5 % males and 54.1 % non-dominant hand injuries. Mechanisms included lacerations (64 %), crush injuries (22 %), and avulsions (14 %). TAM was comparable across injury zones (Verdan classification), though distal zones (e.g., Zone 1) showed ∼30° lower TAM. PRWHE scores (mean: 8.2/50) indicated minimal pain/functional disability. Complications included two superficial infections (0.82 %) and one re-rupture (0.41 %). Grip strength matched normative values. Controlled Active Motion (CAM) rehabilitation yielded satisfactory outcomes, with proximal zones (Zones 7-8) associated with poorer PROMs.

CONCLUSION

Outpatient extensor tendon repair under WALANT is safe and effective, with low complication rates and favorable functional outcomes. Timely repair (<3 days), meticulous technique, and CAM rehabilitation contributed to success, supporting cost-effective management outside main operating theatres. Proximal injuries and rehabilitation protocols warrant further optimization. This study addresses a regional literature gap, advocating for prospective research to refine surgical and therapeutic strategies.

THERAPEUTIC LEVEL: IV.