TENDON LACERATIONS
November 27, 2019
Paul Nielsen, MD
Orthopaedic Surgeon
What Are the Symptoms of Tendon Lacerations?
- A cut or open injury normally causes a tendon laceration
- Inability to completely bend the fingers down or straighten them often occurs
- Some partial tendon injuries will have pain with attempted movement
- Some patients will have numbness if a nerve nearby is also injured
What Are Common Causes of Tendon Lacerations?
- Stab wounds such as a knife or glass
- Saws or other power tools
- Crush injuries and car wrecks
What Are the Types of Tendon Lacerations?
- Flexor tendon injuries
- Tendons on the palm side of the hand
- These tendons bend the fingers down into a fist
- Extensor tendon injuries
- Tendons on the back side of the hand
- These tendons help straighten the fingers and thumb
How are Tendon Lacerations Treated?
- Most tendon lacerations are treated with surgery
- Tendons do not normally heal back together without being repaired
- Surgery involves sewing the tendons back together with sutures
- The procedure is normally a same-day outpatient procedure
- This can sometimes be performed in the emergency room or clinic
- one was removed
What Is Recovery Like After Surgery?
- The hand is normally immobilized in a splint initially
- A removable splint is used after that to protect the repair
- Therapy is started 1-2 weeks after the injury
- Therapy balances resting to allow the tendon to heal with starting movement to avoid scarring and stiffness
- These are often performed by a hand therapist due to their complexity
- Restrictions on use are often in place for a few months
- Most patients regain good range of motion and strength
Concerned about a tendon laceration or injury Call 308-865-2570 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Nielsen today. Same day appointments typically available. No referral required.
About the Author
Paul Nielsen, MD is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in hand & upper extremity surgery at New West Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Surgery in Kearney, NE.