Rjp. Noorda et Jj. Hage, EXTENSOR INDICIS-PROPRIUS TRANSFER FOR LOSS OF EXTENSOR POLLICIS LONGUS FUNCTION, Archives of orthopaedic and trauma surgery, 113(6), 1994, pp. 327-329
In the period 1969-1991, 46 extensor indicis proprius tendon transfers
were performed for functional loss of extensor pollicis longus. The l
ong-term function of the thumb was reviewed in 22 patients with an ave
rage follow-up of 7 years. Based on Geldmacher's evaluation scheme for
assessment of the results of extensor tendon reconstruction, we repor
t 5 excellent (23%), 4 good (18%), 12 satisfactory (55%) and 1 poor (4
%) result. The mean loss of pinch strength was 8% compared with the co
ntralateral, non-operated thumb. Subjectively, the majority of the pat
ients (86%) described no limitations in their daily life activities. I
t is recommended that the transfer be tight enough to give full thumb
extension and that the hand be immobilized with the thumb in this posi
tion for 4 weeks.