Dislocation or Subluxation of the Extensor Digitorum Communis Tendon at the Metacarpophalangeal Joint Treated by Wheeldon’s Method

Journal of the Korean Society for Surgery of the Hand 2008;13(1):43-48.
Published online March 1, 2008.

Yang-Guk Chung, Il-Jung Park, Hyoung-Min Kim, Seung-Koo Lee, Seok-Whan Song, Changhoon Jeong, Yoo-Joon Suh, Bae-Gyun Kim, Donggune Chang

Wheeldon씨 기법으로 치료한 중수지 관절에서의 신전건 탈구 및 아탈구

정양국, 박일중, 김형민, 이승구, 송석환, 정창훈, 서유준, 김배균, 장동균

Abstract

Purpose
Dislocation or subluxation of the extensor digitorum communis (EDC) tendon at the metacarpophalangeal (MP) joint involve disruption of the radial sagittal band with ulnar subluxation of the extensor tendon. This report presents our experience using the Wheeldon's method for centralization of the extensor tendon. Materials and Methods: Eight patients who had the persistent symptoms 3 weeks after the injury were operated with Wheeldon’s method for correction of the extensor tendon subluxation at the MP joint. The ulnar juncturae tendinum is released from adjacent tendon and sutured to the palmar radial sagittal band remnant of the deep intermetacarpal ligament. Results: In all patients centralization of the extensor tendons after surgery was maintained and no tendons subluxed through a full range of motion. For all patients, there was resolution of pain, and none required further surgery. Conclusion: Wheeldon’s method for centralization of the extensor tendon is safe and simple, and avoided the need to distort normal collateral ligament or lumbrical anatomy.