Therapeutic management of extensor tendon injuries.

Experience will show that proper management during the first 3 postoperative weeks will be the major determinant for the final result in extensor tendon injuries. In the simple injury, meticulous care in properly immobilizing each joint, combined with edema control, allows the patient to begin the mobilization phase with few problems, and a simple course of therapy can be anticipated. In the complex injury, early passive motion techniques will reduce the devastating complications of an increased fibroblastic response common to crushing injuries or combined lesions of the extensor tendons.