How does a dorsal blocking splint protect extensor tendon repairs?

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Multiple Choice

How does a dorsal blocking splint protect extensor tendon repairs?

A dorsal blocking splint protects an extensor tendon repair by allowing controlled motion of the finger while minimizing stress at the repair site. It does this by holding the metacarpophalangeal joints in slight flexion. This flexed position shortens and slackens the proximal extensor mechanism, so when the finger’s other joints (the joints farther toward the fingertip) move, the forces pulling on the repaired tendon are reduced. As a result, the IP joints can move (flex and extend) with safer, protected motion, promoting tendon glide while lowering the risk of gapping or rupture at the repair. Typically, this involves keeping the MCP joints in a mild flexion range (around a gradual, protective angle) to balance protection with early motion during healing.

A dorsal blocking splint protects an extensor tendon repair by allowing controlled motion of the finger while minimizing stress at the repair site. It does this by holding the metacarpophalangeal joints in slight flexion. This flexed position shortens and slackens the proximal extensor mechanism, so when the finger’s other joints (the joints farther toward the fingertip) move, the forces pulling on the repaired tendon are reduced. As a result, the IP joints can move (flex and extend) with safer, protected motion, promoting tendon glide while lowering the risk of gapping or rupture at the repair. Typically, this involves keeping the MCP joints in a mild flexion range (around a gradual, protective angle) to balance protection with early motion during healing.

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