Tendon Repair

Tendons are fibrous connective tissues that attach muscles to the bones. When a group of muscles contract, the attached tendons will pull certain bones, allowing a range of movements.

Tendons of the Hands
The hands have two groups of tendons – the extensor and flexor tendons.

Extensor Tendons
The extensor tendons run from the forearm across the back of the hand to the fingers and thumb. These tendons allow the fingers and thumb to straighten.

Flexor Tendons
The flexor tendons run from the forearm to the wrist and across the palm of the hand. These tendons allow the fingers to bend.

Hand Tendon Repair
If the hand tendons are damaged, surgery may be recommended to repair them and help restore movement of your fingers and/or thumb.

During the surgery, the surgeon will make an incision in the skin above the damaged tendon. Any damaged tissue will be removed and the ends of the tendon are sewn back together.

If your remaining tendons are too short, the doctor may graft healthy tendon tissue somewhere else from your body to allow the ends to meet.

Once the ends of the tendons have been connected, the surgeon will stitch the incision closed. Your wound will be dressed and a splint may be required to keep the operated area immobile to facilitate healing.

Following the post-surgical instructions are important for your recovery. You may be required to wear your splint at all times for 3 to 6 weeks after surgery. You may also be recommended to see a hand therapist who will go over hand exercises that will help prevent tendon adhesion.

You may be able to resume light activities after 6 to 8 weeks. It may take up to 6 months before you can regain your full range of motion.

What to watch out for
Like any other procedure, hand tendon repair can pose some risks. The most common complications of hand tendon repair include infection, adhesion, and rupture.

Contact your doctor if you experience any of the following:

• Increased pain and tenderness on the operated site
• Redness
• Swelling
• A temperature higher than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit
• Inability to move fingers like before
• A sensation that something snapped
• Limited range of motion

If you’re dealing with pain or loss of functionality in your hand or wrist, the hand and wrist specialists of South Florida Orthopedics & Sports Medicine can help. Our experts are skilled at tendon repairs of the hands. To request an appointment, please call (772) 288-2400.