Sagittal Band Injury and Extensor Tendon Realignment

Abstract

The sagittal bands are structurally important, aiding in the central alignment of the extensor tendons over the heads of each metacarpal. They resist the deviation of the tendon with flexion of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint. Injury to the sagittal band can cause the extensor tendon to lose its alignment leading to pain, tendon subluxation, or dislocation. Generally, if these injuries are recognized and treated within 3 weeks of injury, they will not require surgery. The goal of surgery is to restore the anatomic alignment of the extensor tendon by either direct repair of the sagittal band or reconstruction.

Keywords: Extensor tendon; Extensor tendon dislocation; Sagittal band; Sagittal band reconstruction.