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Diagnosis and treatment of flexor tendon injuries of the hand: what the radiologist needs to know

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Abstract

This article reviews the diagnosis and treatment of flexor tendon injuries of the hand highlighting flexor tendon anatomy, important pre-operative imaging findings, surgical options, and post-operative complications. Imaging plays a key role in guiding treatment of these difficult to manage injuries. Thus, it is important for radiologists to have a sound understanding of factors important in treatment decision-making. In the pre-operative setting, accurately identifying the location of the torn proximal tendon stump in subacute and chronic injuries helps dictate whether the patient is a candidate for a primary flexor tendon repair or may require a tendon reconstruction to restore function. In the post-operative setting, the status of the repair and presence of surrounding adhesions help dictate if and when the patient will require subsequent surgery and whether that surgery will be a tenolysis, revision repair, reconstruction, or fusion.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 550 First Avenue, New York, NY, 10016, USA

    Steven P. Daniels

  2. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 550 First Avenue, New York, NY, 10016, USA

    David Kirby & Jadie De Tolla

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  1. Steven P. Daniels
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Daniels, S.P., Kirby, D. & De Tolla, J. Diagnosis and treatment of flexor tendon injuries of the hand: what the radiologist needs to know. Skeletal Radiol 53, 597–608 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00256-023-04460-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00256-023-04460-y

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