Symptoms and evaluation
A tendon injury may cause inability or weakness when bending or straightening a finger, pain, swelling or an abnormal resting posture after trauma. Open cuts can injure tendons even when the skin wound appears small.
Treatment options
Partial injuries may sometimes be managed nonsurgically, while complete lacerations or ruptures often require repair. Treatment depends on the tendon, zone of injury, associated nerve or fracture injury and timing.
Recovery and return to activity
Hand therapy is a central part of recovery after many tendon repairs. Carefully controlled motion helps limit stiffness and adhesions while protecting the repair from excessive force.
When to seek evaluation
Persistent pain, numbness, weakness, loss of motion, deformity or symptoms that interfere with sleep, work or daily activities are reasonable reasons to seek an orthopedic evaluation. Urgent injuries with severe deformity, open wounds or compromised circulation require prompt medical attention.
Common questions
Tendon repairs require a balance between motion and protection. Following the prescribed splint and therapy protocol is important because both stiffness and repair failure are potential concerns.
Specialized upper-extremity care
Dr. Devin W. Collins is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with fellowship training in hand, upper-extremity and microvascular surgery. Treatment recommendations are individualized to the diagnosis, severity, goals and needs of each patient.