Flexor Tendon Injuries

Flexor2_cIf a tendon gets cut, it will act like a rubber band and the ends will pull away from one another, preventing the finger joints from bending on their own.

What is it?

The fingers are bent by muscles called flexor muscles, which control finger movement with tendons.  Hand tendons are like long rope pulleys that connect the forearm muscles to the small bones in the fingers and thumb.  A deep cut on the palm side of the wrist, hand or fingers may cause injury in the flexor tendons, as well as in the nerves and blood vessels nearby.  Even though an injury might seem simple when seen from outside, it can be a lot more complex internally.  If a tendon gets cut, it will act like a rubber band and the ends will pull away from one another, preventing the finger joints from bending on their own.  If a tendon is only partially cut, fingers may bend, but might be painful and may end up tearing apart completely.

What causes it?

Flexor2_cThe injury is usually precipitated by a significant cut.

What are the symptoms?

Patients experience difficulty bending finger joints, which may be accompanied by pain.

How do we diagnose it?

To make a diagnosis and determine a course of treatment, your finger condition and range of movement will be observed and assessed.  In addition, you should provide a full medical history.

How is it treated?

A tendon that is cut requires surgery to heal.  I will determine when the surgery should be performed depending on the injury and the type of surgery required.  The tendon, along with nearby nerves and blood vessels will be repaired.  Afterwards, the area of the injury may need to be protected from movement, or may require limited movement for a few weeks.  Hand therapy might also be recommended post-surgery.  Following post-op directions is very important as premature movement can cause the repair to pull apart again.  The fingers may move slowly and with no resistance at four to six weeks after surgery, and full healing will be achieved during the first three months.

Flexor3_cVery few patients have complete and normal movement restored by surgery.  If movement is very difficult, it might mean that significant scar tissue has formed, which is normal.  However, this scar tissue can sometimes make bending and flexing the finger very difficult.  If that occurs, we may proceed with therapy or even another surgery to release scar tissue.