[Fresh injuries of the tractus intermedius of the extensor aponeurosis. Diagnosis, classification and therapy].

A test for early diagnosis of closed isolated ruptures of the central slip of the extensor hood is described. Five different lesions are described. Conservative treatment is adequate for ruptures with undislocated bone fragments. Operative treatment is required when the central slip has been avulsed with a dislocated bone fragment, in cases of combined lesions of the PIP joint (including central slip, collateral ligaments and/or the palmar plate) and finally open lesions. An isolated closed rupture of the central slip is a relative indication for surgery and is treated conservatively under specified circumstances.