Citation

Schöffl VR, Schöffl I. J. Hand Surg. Am. 2006; 31(4): 647-654.

Affiliation

Department of Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery, Klinikum Bamberg, Bamberg, Germany. volker.schoeffl@t-online.de

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, American Society for Surgery of the Hand, Publisher Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.jhsa.2006.02.011

PMID

16632061

Abstract

Closed traumatic ruptures of finger flexor tendon pulleys began to be recognized specifically over the past several decades. This injury, although rare in the general population, is seen more commonly in rock climbers. This article analyzes this type of injury and the current diagnostic and therapeutic criteria. Ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging are used to differentiate between a pulley strain, partial rupture, complete rupture, or multiple ruptures. Grade I to III injuries (strains, partial rupture, single ruptures) are treated conservatively with initial immobilization and early functional therapy under pulley protection. Grade IV injuries (multiple ruptures) require surgical repair.

Language: en