How do you fix a Central slip injury?

Conservative management of an acute closed central slip injury is appropriate when the injury is less than 4 weeks old. The injury is managed by splinting the injured finger with the PIP in extension with the DIP, MCP and wrist joint free for 3 to 6 weeks. This is then followed by 6 weeks of night time splinting.

What is a central slip repair?

Central Slip Injury/Repair. The central slip tendon is the main tendon for straightening the middle joint (‘PIP’) of the finger. It acts as the link between some of the muscles in your forearm and the middle bone of the finger.

What is central slip laceration?

What is a central slip injury? The injury you have sustained is known as a central slip injury which is sometimes called a boutonniere deformity. This means that part of the tendon which straightens the middle joint of your finger has been injured.

Is the central slip an extensor tendon?

The extensor tendon is divided into three parts, one central slip and two lateral bands. Central slip and lateral bands attach to different bones in the finger and act to straighten the finger.

What is a central slip?

A central slip injury occurs when an important ligament on the back of the finger is broken, making it difficult to fully straighten the finger. This important tendon is called the ‘central slip’.

What is the function of a central slip?

Extensor tendons run from your forearm across the back of your hand to your fingers and thumb, allowing you to straighten your fingers and thumb. A central slip is a section of an extensor tendon which straightens the middle joint of your finger.

Are repaired tendons stronger?

Divided tendons are sutured to re-approximate the tendon ends and permit healing. Successful tendon repair provides sufficient strength, permits glide and results in minimal adhesions. Recent focus has been to increase repair strength in response to more rigorous rehabilitation techniques.

What causes a central slip injury?

What causes a central slip injury? Central slip injuries are caused when the middle knuckle of the finger (proximal interphalangeal joint) is forcibly bent forwards. This often happens when the finger punches something, is hit by a ball or is knocked forcefully.

When to splint a central slip extensor tendon?

Conservative management of an acute closed central slip injury is appropriate when the injury is less than 4 weeks old. The injury is managed by splinting the injured finger with the PIP in extension with the DIP, MCP and wrist joint free for 3 to 6 weeks. This is then followed by 6 weeks of night time splinting.

What are the zones of extensor tendon injury?

Extensor tendon injuries are divided into nine zones, extending from the DIP joint (zone I) to the proximal forearm (zone IX) (1). In this entry, we will briefly explore the management strategies for Zone III injuries of the central slip.

What are the precautions for an extensor tendon repair?

Precautions: Limit combined wrist and full finger flexion during initial 4 weeks. No resistive activity with the hand for 6 to 8 weeks. Avoid scarring proximal to extensor retinaculum to prevent tendon adherence. Frequency: One to two times/week for 8 weeks.

How long to splint a DIP joint injury?

Nonoperative: 6 weeks of PIP joint splinting in full extension, indicated for acute injuries usually <4 weeks old. Full active flexion of the DIP joint is encouraged to avoid stiffness distally and contraction of the oblique retinacular ligament. Part-time splinting then recommended for an additional 4-6 weeks (2,3).