History of Present Illness: A 40-ish-year-old male comes to the ED for suture removal from a laceration repair 10 days ago in your shop.
Vital Signs & Physical Exam: Vital signs are normal. Here is what the laceration looks like.
How will you treat this patient?
- A) Remove stitches and let him return to work
- B) Remove every other stitch and start antibiotics
- C) Tell him to return in 4-7 more days for suture removal
- D) Splint and refer to ortho hand
SCROLL DOWN FOR ANSWERS & 1-MINUTE CONSULT
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QUIZ ANSWER: How will you treat this patient?
- A) Remove stitches and let him return to work
- B) Remove every other stitch and start antibiotics
- C) Tell him to return in 4-7 more days for suture removal
- D) Splint and refer to ortho hand – CORRECT – There is a missed extensor hallucis longus tendon laceration
1-Minute Consult on this topic: Click HERE and scroll.
The thumb, index finger and pinky each have two extensor tendons, each of which must be assessed. When one is intact it may be more difficult to tell that the other is lacerated