Hand & Finger · Tendons
Tendon Injuries
of the Hand
In the hand, there are tendons that flex (bend towards the palm) and extend (open away from the palm) your fingers. Injuries to these tendons may occur from lacerations — and after such an injury, hand dysfunction and a lack of previously existing finger movement occur.
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Overview
How Tendon Injuries Happen
In the hand, there are tendons that flex (bend towards the palm) and extend (open away from the palm) your fingers.
Injuries to these tendons may occur from lacerations sustained during activities such as cutting with a knife or handling broken glass. After sustaining an injury to a tendon, hand dysfunction and a lack of previously existing finger movement occur.
Flexor & Extensor Tendons
Flexor Tendons
Bend the fingers towards the palm. An injury can prevent the finger from curling in.
Extensor Tendons
Open the fingers away from the palm. An injury can prevent the finger from straightening out.
What Patients May Notice
- A laceration or wound to the hand or finger
- Loss of previously existing finger movement
- Inability to bend a finger toward the palm
- Inability to straighten a finger away from the palm
- Hand dysfunction affecting grip and daily tasks
When to Seek Evaluation
Evaluation and management of tendon injuries involve complex decision-making and should be discussed with your treating physician. The location of the injury may affect surgical outcomes.
Request an AppointmentTreatment Options
Acute Repair & Reconstruction
The location of the injury may affect surgical outcomes. Treatment differs depending on whether the injury is acute or chronic.
Suture Repair
Acute injuries are commonly repaired utilizing a variety of suture (sewing) techniques.
- A variety of suture techniques may be utilized
- The location of the injury may affect surgical outcomes
- The treating physician selects the technique that fits the injury
Reconstruction
Chronic injuries may require alternative treatment options including reconstruction.
- Treatment may differ from an acute repair
- Reconstruction is one of the alternative options
- Evaluation and management involve complex decision-making
Rehabilitation After Repair
Post-operative rehabilitation of these injuries typically involves a guided program under the supervision of a therapist and a splinting regimen.
Discuss With Your Physician
Evaluation and management of tendon injuries involve complex decision-making and should be discussed with your treating physician.
Outcomes after hand surgery vary and risks and benefits should be discussed in detail with your treating physician.
Common Questions
Tendon Injury FAQs
What do the tendons in the hand do?+
In the hand, there are tendons that flex (bend towards the palm) and extend (open away from the palm) your fingers.
How do tendon injuries usually happen?+
Injuries to these tendons may occur from lacerations sustained during activities such as cutting with a knife or handling broken glass. After sustaining an injury to a tendon, hand dysfunction and a lack of previously existing finger movement occur.
Does the location of the injury matter?+
Yes. The location of the injury may affect surgical outcomes. Evaluation and management of tendon injuries involve complex decision-making and should be discussed with your treating physician.
How are acute tendon injuries repaired?+
Acute injuries are commonly repaired utilizing a variety of suture (sewing) techniques.
What if the injury is chronic?+
Chronic injuries may require alternative treatment options including reconstruction.
What does rehabilitation involve?+
Post-operative rehabilitation of these injuries typically involves a guided program under the supervision of a therapist and a splinting regimen.
Learn about ganglion and mucous cysts or trigger finger, two other conditions affecting the tendons and structures of the hand.
Precision Hand and Orthopedic Surgery
Injured a Tendon? Get the Right Care.
If you have lost finger movement after a cut or laceration, an evaluation with Tanay Amin, MD, FAAOS can determine whether the injury needs repair, and help you understand the rehabilitation that follows.
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Disclaimer: This information is not intended to convey, substitute or supplant any medical advice. In order to establish a treating relationship, please schedule and complete your visits with a licensed physician.
Copyright 12/9/2021 Tanay Amin, MD. Do not copy, distribute, or publish this article. Please contact Precision Hand and Orthopedic Surgery PLLC with regards to any inquiries or corrections.