Finger Flexor Tendon Repair Surgery

Finger Flexor Tendon Repair

Movement in the hand and fingers is controlled by a system of muscles and tendons in the forearms, with tendons being powered by the contraction of muscles. Like rubber bands, tendons are under tension when connecting muscle to bone, so if torn or cut the ends of the tendon pull apart, making it impossible for them to repair themselves.

Flexor Tendons are most commonly injured from lacerations, or cuts, to the forearms, hands, or wrists. Injury can also occur if the tendon pulls away from the bone, ruptures from wear and tear, or if the . These injuries are common in athletic activities requiring hand and arm strength like football, rock-climbing, wrestling, commonly referred to as “Jersey Finger” when the tendon is pulled off bone as another player is grabbed roughly. Pre-existing health conditions like rheumatoid arthritis can also be a risk factor since they weaken flexor tendons and make them more prone to damage.

While it depends on the severity and location of the trauma, a hand with a damaged Flexor Tendon will have difficulty or an inability to bend the fingers, thumb, or wrist. If the tendon has completely ruptured or lacerated, part of the arm or hand will be unusable. It’s also typical to experience numbness, tingling, and bleeding after a tendon is lacerated. Numbness may be felt in the fingertips, as well as pain when the affected finger is bent.

A damaged Flexor Tendon typically has surgery performed within 10 days of the injury although it depends on how the tendon was torn (straight across, at an angle, etc.). A splint is typically worn after surgery for protection during the recovery process. Sutures are usually used to reattach the tendon. Partial tears may not require surgery and can be treated with nonsurgical options.