Extensor tendon injuries.

A thorough knowledge of anatomy, injury patterns, repair techniques, and evolving rehabilitation methods is necessary to best treat extensor tendon injuries. These injuries are conceptualized as occurring in one of eight zones, which are numbered distally to proximally in the hand and forearm. Even though surgical technique and rehabilitation are specific in each zone, injuries over and proximal to the proximal interphalangeal joint tend to yield less satisfactory results. Dynamic postoperative extension splinting is one factor that is improving long-term results.