Sagittal Band Reconstruction
If you need a sagittal band reconstruction, please Schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedic specialists as soon as possible.
What Is Sagittal Band Reconstruction?
The sagittal bands are strong connective tissues on the back of the hand that hold the extensor tendons in place over the finger joints. These structures keep the tendons centered during finger movement, allowing you to straighten your fingers smoothly and maintain normal hand function. When a sagittal band tears or becomes damaged, the extensor tendon can slip out of position. As a result, you may have difficulty straightening your finger and experience pain, weakness, or a visible deformity. While splinting and physical therapy can successfully treat some injuries, severe tears or persistent symptoms may require surgery. During sagittal band reconstruction, your surgeon repairs or reconstructs the damaged tissue to restore tendon stability, improve finger motion, and help you return to normal hand function.
What Causes a Sagittal Band Injury?
Sagittal band injuries result from trauma or repetitive strain. Common causes include:
- Trauma or Injury: A direct blow, such as from a sports injury, car accident, or fall, can tear the sagittal band, destabilizing the tendon.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: Chronic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis can weaken or stretch the sagittal bands, increasing the risk of injury.
- Overuse or Repetitive Stress: Repetitive motions from certain jobs or sports can wear down the sagittal band, causing dysfunction.
What Are the Symptoms of Sagittal Band Injury?
Common symptoms of sagittal band injury include:
- Inability to Extend the Finger: Difficulty extending the finger, which may remain bent or stuck in a flexed position.
- Pain and Swelling: Pain, especially during finger movement, and swelling at the back of the hand.
- Visible Deformity: The tendon may slip off to one side of the joint, causing a deformity like “boutonnière deformity,” where the finger bends at the middle joint.
A thorough examination and imaging, such as X-rays or MRI, confirm the injury and assess its severity.
Surgical Treatment: Sagittal Band Reconstruction
If conservative treatments fail, surgeons perform sagittal band reconstruction to restore tendon stability and function. The procedure includes the following steps:
- Incision: The surgeon makes a small incision over the affected area, usually on the back of the hand.
- Reconstruction or Repair: The surgeon reattaches the torn sagittal band or uses tissue grafts to reconstruct it if the damage is extensive.
- Tendon Realignment: If the extensor tendon has shifted, the surgeon realigns it and stabilizes it in its correct position.
- Fixation: The surgeon secures the sagittal band and tendons in place with sutures or other techniques.
- Closure: The surgeon closes the incision with sutures and immobilizes the hand with a splint or cast for healing.
Rehabilitation and Recovery of Sagittal Band Reconstruction
After surgery, the hand remains immobilized for several weeks to allow tissue healing. Pain management and swelling reduction techniques, such as elevation and ice, help during this phase. Once healing progresses, physical therapy becomes essential for restoring strength, range of motion, and function. The rehabilitation process includes:
- Passive Range-of-Motion Exercises: Early therapy focuses on gentle movements to prevent stiffness.
- Strengthening Exercises: Once the tissues heal, strengthening exercises improve grip and dexterity.
- Gradual Return to Activity: Patients gradually return to daily activities, avoiding strenuous movements until cleared by the surgeon.
Sagittal band reconstruction offers an effective solution for injuries causing finger instability. By restoring tendon alignment and stability, the procedure enhances hand function and reduces pain.
If you would like to speak to an Orthopedic Specialist, give us a call at 817-697-4038, or contact us over the web. Tele-medicine appointments are also available.
