TENDON INJURY
Flexor and extensor tendons: how our fingers work
There are essentially two kinds of tendon in the hand. The flexor tendons lie on the palm side and make it possible to close the fingers into a fist. As their counterparts, the extensor tendons run over the back of the hand and the outer side of the fingers; with their help the wrist and the fingers can be straightened, including against resistance. Tendon injuries in the hand most frequently arise from a cut with a sharp object. A tendon can also tear off after a light impact, or wear through against a sharp edge of bone or against metal left in place after an operation.
Symptoms
Typical symptoms of a tendon injury in the hand are pain, restricted movement and the loss of the ability to bend or straighten a finger actively.
The end joint of the finger stays bent
The extensor tendon has torn at its thinnest point, or directly where it attaches to the bone
The end of the thumb no longer straightens
After a fracture at the wrist, frequently treated with a metal plate, the tendon has worn through against a screw.
Pain
Pain when trying to bend the finger or on pressure over the flexor tendon. Tenderness or rubbing over the course of the tendon on the back of the hand.
Does every tendon injury need surgery?
Not always – small, stable partial tears can be treated without surgery in individual cases. In most cases, however, a surgical suture or fixation is needed in order to restore function. Otherwise the rule is: the sooner the better. A fresh tendon injury should ideally be operated on within a few days, as the tendons otherwise retract and are harder to reconstruct.
Treatment options for a tendon injury
Most tendon injuries require surgery, in which the tendon is sutured or fixed back to the bone. The hand is then immobilised in a special splint to protect the repair. Targeted hand therapy often begins early, in order to avoid adhesions and restore movement. Complete healing generally takes several weeks.
Treatment options
Non-surgical and surgical – we will find the right approach for you
Finger splint (Stack splint)
The end joint of the finger has to be held straight consistently for 8 weeks.
Suture of the tendon
A freshly divided tendon should be sutured promptly.
Tendon transfer
A tendon that has worn through can no longer be sutured and is replaced by another tendon.
Our hand specialists
Experienced consultants for tendon injuries and hand surgery
