Tendon Injuries
Causes
Deep cuts can injure the tendons and nearby nerves and blood vessels. An injury that looks simple on the outside can be much more complex on the inside.
Signs and Symptoms
When the tendon is cut, you cannot bend your finger.
Treatment
A cut tendon cannot heal without surgery. Nearby nerves and blood vessels may need to be repaired as well. After surgery, the injured area will need to be moved to limit stiffness, but the repair must be protected. Tears caused by jamming injuries are usually treated with splints. Splints hold the tendon in place and should be worn at all times until the tendon is healed. The tendon may take eight to twelve weeks to heal completely. Longer periods of splinting are sometimes needed. Your doctor will apply the splint in the correct place and give you directions on how long to wear it.
In most cases, exercise is done by having you move your fingers with your other hand, but you are not allowed to try to bend your finger on your own for about a month. You must wear a splint for at least a month after surgery. These exercises can be tricky and a hand therapist can help you. These exercises can vary among surgeons; your surgeon will direct your care.
Other treatment may include stitches (for cuts in the tendon). Also, a pin may need to be placed through the bone across the joint as an internal splint. Surgery to free scar tissue is sometimes helpful in cases of severe motion loss. After treatment, hand therapy may be necessary to improve motion. Consult your hand specialist for the best form of treatment.
Prognosis
There is scarring as the tendon heals, and most people do not regain normal motion. In some cases, if motion is less than expected after months of exercises, then your surgeon might offer you surgery to release scar tissue around the tendon.
COMMON EXTENSOR TENDON INJURIES
Mallet Finger:
A drooping of the end-joint of a finger. This happens when an extensor tendon has been cut or torn from the bone. It is common when a ball or other object strikes the tip of the finger or thumb and forcibly bends it.
Boutonnière Deformity:
The bent-down (flexed) position of the middle joint of the finger. Boutonniere can happen from a cut or tear of the extensor tendon.
Cuts on the back of the hand:
Deep cuts can injure the extensor tendons. This can make it difficult to straighten your fingers.