Predictors of postoperative complications in extensor tendon repairs.

OBJECTIVES

This study looked at what factors lead to complications after extensor tendon repair, with a focus on how the location of the injury affects patient outcomes.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study looked at 206 patients with extensor tendon injuries. All patients were treated at one center using the same surgical and rehabilitation protocols. We collected data on patient demographics, details of the injuries, and any complications after surgery. Logistic regression was employed to identify predictors of complications.

RESULTS

The complication rate was 22.3%, with adhesions and extensor lag being the most common. Smoking (odds ratio = 0.161) and higher modified Hand Injury Severity Score values were identified as significant predictors of complications. Complication rates varied across injury zones, with zones 1 and 2 exhibiting the highest rates (26.1%), although the differences were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

Smoking and injury severity emerged as key predictors of complications. This shows the need to address modifiable risk factors through targeted interventions such as smoking cessation programs and intensive follow-up for high-risk patients. The results show that no particular injury zone is always linked to poor outcomes. This highlights the need for more research on surgical and rehabilitation strategies for different zones.