Which splint is described as anti-deformity for flexor tendon repair?

Which splint is described as anti-deformity for flexor tendon repair?

• A. Dorsal block splint (anti-deformity)
• B. Volar gutter splint
• C. Thumb spica
• D. Ulnar gutter splint

Answer: (A)

Protecting the repaired flexor tendon while still allowing controlled glide is the key idea. After a flexor tendon repair, you want to prevent the repair from being pulled into excessive tension or forced into a deforming position. The dorsal block splint achieves this by keeping the MCP joints in a flexed, blocked position, so when the patient tries to flex the finger, the motion is limited at the MCP joints. The IP joints can move within a safe range, and the wrist is positioned to reduce tendon tension. This setup prevents deforming forces at the repair site and supports early, controlled tendon gliding, which is why it’s described as anti-deformity. Other splints serve different purposes and don’t provide this targeted protection for a fresh flexor tendon repair.

Protecting the repaired flexor tendon while still allowing controlled glide is the key idea. After a flexor tendon repair, you want to prevent the repair from being pulled into excessive tension or forced into a deforming position. The dorsal block splint achieves this by keeping the MCP joints in a flexed, blocked position, so when the patient tries to flex the finger, the motion is limited at the MCP joints. The IP joints can move within a safe range, and the wrist is positioned to reduce tendon tension. This setup prevents deforming forces at the repair site and supports early, controlled tendon gliding, which is why it’s described as anti-deformity. Other splints serve different purposes and don’t provide this targeted protection for a fresh flexor tendon repair.