The by-pass extensor tendon transfer. A salvage technique for loss of substance of the extensor apparatus in long fingers.

A salvage technique for the treatment of substance loss of the extensor apparatus with some special features is presented. It uses the extensor indicis muscle prolonged with a tendon graft. The tendon is directly attached to the middle phalanx. After surgery, the wrist is immobilized in extension, allowing immediate active mobilization of the PIP joint. The results in five patients are satisfactory.