Extensor Tendons

Question 1

What are the 3 extensor tendons affecting motion of the hand and wrist?

Answer 1

• extensor digitorum communis (EDC)
• extensor indicis proprius (EIP)
• extensor digiti minimi (EDM)

*the tendons cross the wrist dorsally under the extensor retinaculum, separating into 8 compartments to prevent bowstringing; saggital bands center the extensor tendons over the MCP joint

Question 2

What are the extensor tendon zones of Digit I (the thumb)?

Answer 2

• Zone I: falls over the interphalangeal (IP) joint
• Zone II: falls over the proximal phalanx
• Zone III: falls over the MCP joint
• Zone IV: falls over the first metacarpal
• Zone V: falls over the wrist

Question 3

What are the extensor tendon zones of Digits II - V?

Answer 3

• Zone I: distal interphalangeal joint (DIP)
• Zone II: middle phalanx
• Zone III: proximal interphalangeal joint
• Zone IV: proximal phalanx
• Zone V: metacarpal phalangeal joint
• Zone VI: metacarpalphanageal joint
• Zone VII: carpal bones and wrist

Question 4

After surgical repair, exercises promote ___ and prevent ___.

Answer 4

• promote tendon excursion
• prevent adhesions

Question 5

Use of modalities begins once cleared by the prescribing physician. The modality of _____ gradually prepares the tissue for motion while the modality of _____ promotes tendon excursion and activation.

Answer 5

• heat gradually prepares the tissue for motion
• NMES promotes tendon excursion and activation

Question 6

Tendon glides are used to promote ___ and prevent ___ after surgical repair.

Answer 6

• promote excursion
• prevent adhesions

Question 7

After what period of time is strengthening initiated after surgical repair?

Answer 7

-strengthening is usually not initiated until the late phase of the repair, around 8-12 weeks after surgery

Question 8

Additional interventions recommended after surgical repair include ___ and ___.

Answer 8

• home exercise program
• ROM