Flexor tendon injuries are injuries that affect the tendons responsible for flexing or bending the fingers or thumb. These injuries can occur due to various causes such as trauma, lacerations, or repetitive strain. The severity of the injury can range from partial tears to complete ruptures of the tendon.
Surgical Interventions if needed will be determined by your Hand Surgeon/Doctor
Tendon Repair: The surgeon will reattach the torn ends of the tendon using sutures. This may involve techniques such as primary repair, tendon grafting (taking tendon tissue from another part of the body to replace the damaged tendon), or tendon transfer (re-routing of a healthy tendon to replace the damaged one).
Tendon Reconstruction: In cases where the tendon is severely damaged and cannot be repaired directly, tendon reconstruction may be performed by your hand surgeon/doctor. This involves using grafts or other tissues to reconstruct the damaged tendon.
Complications:
Adhesion Formation: After surgery, scar tissue (adhesions) can form around the repaired tendon, limiting its movement.
Tendon Rupture: In some cases, the repaired tendon may re-rupture. Therefore patient compliance with therapy precautions are important.
Stiffness and Loss of Range of Motion: Due to scarring and adhesion formation, patients may experience stiffness in the affected finger or thumb, leading to a reduced range of motion.
Infection: There is a risk of infection associated with any surgical procedure. Infections can delay healing and cause further complications.
Hand Therapy:
Hand therapy after Tendon repair is initiated within the first week. It is crucial that you show up for your first appointment with your hand therapist. You Hand Therapist will get the post op bandages off and educate you on the safe positioning and precautions. If you are a patient and has had this surgery and not been scheduled to see hand therapist within 3-5 days after your surgery please contact your doctor/hand surgeon immediately and let them know. If you are scheduled for therapy but not within the above time frame please reach out to your doctor about your specific situation and needs.
Hand therapy plays a crucial role in the rehabilitation process following flexor tendon surgery. It typically involves:
Early Mobilization: Hand therapists guide patients through exercises and activities aimed at restoring the flexibility and strength of the repaired tendon. This usually begins shortly after surgery to prevent adhesion formation and promote tendon healing.
Splinting: Custom Orthotics are used to protect the repaired tendon during the initial healing phase and to prevent excessive strain on the repair.and promote optimal healing.
Scar Management: Hand therapists may perform scar massage and mobilization techniques to break down scar tissue, improve tissue flexibility, and promote better movement of the repaired tendon.
Ultrasound Therapy: Ultrasound therapy at an appropriate time frame may be used to reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and promote tissue healing following surgery. This non-invasive treatment modality can help alleviate pain and accelerate the rehabilitation process
Activity Modification: Patients may need to modify their activities during the recovery period to avoid placing excessive strain on the repaired tendon. Hand therapists provide guidance on safe and appropriate activities to promote optimal healing and prevent rupture again.
Progressive Strengthening Exercises: As the healing progresses, hand therapists introduce progressive strengthening exercises to improve grip strength and overall hand function. These exercises help rebuild muscle strength and endurance in the affected hand.
Patient Education: Patient education is an essential component of treatment, helping individuals understand their injury, surgical procedure, and rehabilitation process. Education on proper hand hygiene, wound care, and activity modification is crucial for successful recovery.
Functional Training: As the healing progresses, hand therapists focus on functional activities to improve the patient's ability to use the hand for daily tasks.
Functional Limitations:
Patients recovering from flexor tendon injuries may experience various functional limitations, including:
Decreased Grip Strength: Until the tendon heals completely and rehabilitation is successful, patients may have reduced grip strength, limiting their ability to grasp objects firmly.
Difficulty with Fine Motor Skills: Activities requiring precise finger movements, such as typing or playing musical instruments, may be challenging during the recovery period.
Decreased Dexterity: Flexor tendon injuries can affect the dexterity of the hand, making tasks that involve intricate hand movements more difficult.
Pain and Discomfort: Pain and discomfort are common following surgery and during the rehabilitation process, which can affect the patient's ability to use the hand effectively.
Overall, the prognosis for flexor tendon injuries depends on various factors, including the severity of the injury, the effectiveness of surgical intervention, and the patient's adherence to rehabilitation protocols. With appropriate treatment and rehabilitation, many patients can regain significant function in the affected hand. However, full recovery may take several months, and some degree of residual functional impairment may persist. Please check with your doctor about your specific situation.