What is Flexor Tendons ?
Flexor Tendons are strong, connective tissue structures that connect the forearm muscles to the bones in the fingers and the thumb on the palm side of the hand. These tendons allow us to flex our wrists, hold a tea cup, button our shirts, open jars, and perform daily activities that involve bending our fingers and thumbs.
Anatomy of Hand Tendons
Tendons are bands of fibrous connective tissue that connect muscles to bones. The tendons help in the movement of the fingers, the hand and all other parts of the body.
There are two types of tendons in the hand:
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Extensor Tendons:
The extensor tendons on the upper part of the hand help straighten the fingers.
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Flexor Tendons:
The flexor tendons in the palm of the hand help to bend the fingers.
What Are Flexor Tendon Injuries?
Deep cuts on the lower surface of the wrist, hand, or fingers can cut and injure the tendon and render one or more joints in a finger unable to bend. When a tendon is cut, the cut ends are pulled apart like a rubber band.
Flexor tendon tears can be partial or complete. If the tendons are cut completely, the knuckles cannot bend on their own.
Causes of Flexor Tendon Injuries
Any cut or tear in the arm, hand, or fingers can cause a flexor tendon injury. Other possible causes are:
- Tendon damage from a sports injury usually associated with football, rugby and wrestling
- Tendon stretching where the tendon pulls away from the bone
- When a player’s finger is caught on another player’s jersey or clothing
- Rheumatic joint inflammation
- Adventurous activities such as rock climbing
- Symptoms of Flexor Tendon Injuries
- Inform your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Cuts to hands or fingers
- Hand Pain
- Hand Inflatable
- Loss of ability to bend the finger
- Hand numbness (sensory loss)
First Aid for Flexor Tendon Injuries
Immediately apply ice to the injured finger. Wrap a sterile cloth or bandage around the injury and keep your finger above your heart level to reduce any bleeding. A tetanus injection may be required.
Diagnosing Flexor Tendon Injuries
See a doctor whenever you experience a finger injury that affects the flexion and extension of your fingers.
Your doctor will review your symptoms and medical history. A physical examination of both hands will be done. During the exam, you will be asked to bend and straighten your fingers. Your fingers will also be examined for sensation, blood flow, and strength. An X-ray may be ordered to check for any damage to the surrounding bone.
Treatment of Flexor Tendon Injuries
A torn tendon cannot heal without surgery because the cut ends are often pulled back after an injury.
There are many options for repairing a cut tendon; The type of repair depends on the type of cut. The purpose of the procedure is to restore the normal function of the joints and surrounding tissues following a tendon rupture.
Flexor tendon repair is usually an outpatient procedure and can be performed under local or general anesthesia.
Your surgeon makes an incision in the skin over the injured tendon. The damaged ends of the tendon are brought together with sutures, ensuring a safe repair. If the tendon injury is severe, a graft may be needed. A graft is a piece of tendon obtained from another part of your body, such as a foot or toe. After repositioning the tendon, the incisions are closed with sutures and a dressing pad is placed on the surgical site. Your surgeon will place your hand in a protective splint to restrict movement.
Flexor Tendon Repair Postoperative Care
Depending on the injury, it is recommended to start hand therapy a few weeks after surgery. This is to improve finger movement.
