Sagittal Band Injury and Extensor Tendon Realignment

The sagittal band is a vital component of the extensor component, and disruption can cause pain, subluxation, or dislocation of the extensor tendon. Patients seen within 3 weeks of injury can be treated conservatively with splinting followed by a gradual range of motion for 8 weeks. Surgical management is indicated in patients who present after 3 weeks or those in whom splinting has failed. If the tissue is of adequate quality, primary repair may be possible. If it is not, there are multiple reconstructive options including the one presented in this article that yield good results. We believe it is important to have the patients when possible perform a range of motion during the procedure to ensure proper balancing of the tendon.