Flexor Tendon Injury | Hand Injury

What is a flexor tendon?
Flexor tendons allow the hand and fingers to bend or flex. They are located in the forearm and extend to the fingers on the palm side of the hand. The thumb has one long flexor muscle and each finger has two. In the finger, one tendon attaches to the middle bone and bends the finger at the base and second joint. The second tendon attaches to the tip of the bone at the fingertip and bends all three joints.

When you have a deep cut at the palm of your hand, the tendon acts as a rubber band and will contract and move farther apart as the finger straightens out. A tendon that is not completely cut may still allow the fingers to bend but can cause pain or catching of the tendon, which may later rupture. When both of the tendons on a finger are cut, the finger will not be able to bend on its own.

How do tendons heal?
Since the tendons are separated after an injury, they will not be able to heal on their own. They will require hand surgery to bring them back together, allowing the cells and connective tissue to heal. Your surgeon will advise you on how soon you may need surgery and the type of procedure needed.

One particular procedure used by The Centre, P.C. is the Teno Fix™ Tendon Repair System. With Teno Fix, your hand surgeon installs an innovative soft-tissue anchor into each end of the tendon. A braided stainless steel suture is then inserted through the anchor, allowing the severed tendon ends to be reattached. Teno Fix allows immediate active motion.

Depending on the cut and location of the hand injury, your cosmetic surgeon will advise you on the specific program you may need for optimal healing. Your finger or thumb may require a protective splint to prevent the tendon from pulling apart before it has healed. Make sure you follow your surgeon's directions to help reduce complications.

For flexor tendon hand surgery, The Centre, P.C. recommends the use of the VitaMedica Surgery Program, a comprehensive pre- and post-surgery nutritional supplement system designed specifically for patients undergoing extensive surgical procedures.

What therapy is prescribed for flexor tendon injuries?
Your surgeon may also prescribe therapy to help with scar tissue, which may make it difficult to bend and straighten the finger. Therapy is a normal part of the healing process. If you are instructed to attend therapy sessions, make sure you follow your surgeon's and hand therapist's instructions very carefully to help reduce the possibility of further injury. The Centre, P.C. offers a comprehensive range of therapy services in our Rehabilitation department. In some cases, the TenoGlide or DigiGlide therapy devices may be recommended by your rehabilitation therapist.

Contact our hand surgeons to schedule a consultation about your hand injury. The Centre, P.C. helps patients with extensor tendon injuries, serving Elkhart and South Bend, Indiana, Michiana and the Southern Michigan area, and Chicago.

RiverPointe Medical Building
500 Arcade Ave., Suite 300
Elkhart, IN 46514

Chesterton
810 Michael Drive, Suite K
Chesterton, IN 46304
Toll Free: 800.909.2992
Phone: 219.395.9200
Fax: 219.926.3534