Posttraumatic ulnar subluxation of the extensor tendons: a reconstructive technique.

Ulnar subluxation of the extensor digitorum communis over the metacarpal head can compromise the function of the extensor mechanism to the affected digit. Extensor displacement can be posttraumatic, developmental, congenital, or caused by arthritis of the metacarpophalangeal joint. A tendon centralizing procedure was performed on five digits in three patients who had posttraumatic ulnar subluxation of the extensors at the metacarpophalangeal joint after conservative management failed. No recurrences of subluxation have been noted in this series, and all patients have regained full range of motion.