Hand Tendon Repair
Hand tendon repair with Dr. Steven Ward in Tucson and Oro Valley — repairing cut tendons that straighten the fingers, and freeing tendons that have become stuck in scar tissue after an injury or surgery.
Call 520-881-1394Typical ranges for general education. Dr. Ward’s plan for you may differ.
What it treats
Tendons connect the forearm muscles to the finger bones. Extensor tendons on the back of the hand straighten the fingers and thumb. Flexor tendons on the palm side bend them. A cut or torn tendon pulls apart like a rubber band, so it usually cannot heal on its own.
- Extensor tendon cuts on the back of the hand, fingers, or wrist, making it hard or impossible to straighten a finger
- Tendons stuck in scar tissue after an injury, fracture, or earlier repair, limiting how far the finger moves (treated with tenolysis)
- Flexor tendon injuries on the palm side, from cuts or a finger being yanked (such as a “jersey finger”), making it impossible to bend one or more finger joints
Nerves and blood vessels run close to the tendons, so a cut can also cause numbness. A cold, pale finger after a cut is an emergency: do not eat or drink, and go to the nearest emergency room. A drooping fingertip after a jam is a different injury; see mallet finger on the Surgical Services page.
Is surgery right for you?
A tendon that is fully cut almost always needs repair, and sooner is better. Before surgery:
- Wrap the hand with a clean cloth to slow bleeding, apply a cold pack, and keep the hand raised above your heart
- Be seen promptly; you may need a tetanus shot or antibiotics
- The wound is cleaned and closed, and a splint protects the hand until surgery
Partial tears may heal with a splint and a guided exercise program once the wound has been explored. Tenolysis is only considered after the tendon or fracture has healed and therapy has stopped making progress.
How the surgery is done
Tendon surgery is usually an outpatient procedure, with a nerve block, numbing medicine, or general anesthesia.
- Tendon repair — the cut ends are found and brought back together with strong, specialized stitches; any injured nerves are also checked
- Tenolysis — through an incision over the tendon, scar tissue is carefully released so the tendon can glide again, and motion starts right away afterward
- A splint is applied with the hand positioned to keep tension off the repair
Therapy is half the result
After a tendon repair, a hand therapist usually guides protected exercises that let the tendon glide without pulling the repair apart. Following the splint and exercise plan exactly is as important as the surgery itself.
For flexor tendon repairs, a splint is typically worn for about 6–8 weeks, and the tendon takes about 3–4 months to be strong enough for unrestricted use.
Recovery overview
General expectations only. Timing depends on which tendon was injured and how it was repaired, and Dr. Ward’s plan for you may differ.
First weeks
- Wear the protective splint at all times unless you are told otherwise
- Keep the hand elevated above your heart to control swelling
- Start only the exercises your surgeon or therapist has shown you; do not test the finger by gripping or straightening it forcefully
Middle phase
- The splint is gradually weaned as the tendon heals
- Therapy adds more active motion over time
- Stiffness is common and usually responds to therapy
Months later
- Strengthening and return to heavier use once Dr. Ward clears you; for flexor tendons this is about 3–4 months
- If scar tissue still limits motion, tenolysis may be considered, typically about 4–6 months after the repair
- Some fingers stay stiff even with a good repair and therapy
When to call the clinic
Call 520-881-1394 if you notice any of the following after surgery or while you are recovering:
- A fever of 101°F or higher, or chills
- Redness spreading around an incision, or drainage that is cloudy, foul-smelling, or keeps soaking the dressing after the first few days
- Fingers that turn pale, blue, or cold
- Numbness or tingling in the hand or fingers that does not go away once the nerve block or numbing medicine has worn off, or that is getting worse
- A cast, splint, or dressing that feels too tight: throbbing pain, swelling, or numbness under it that does not ease after you raise your hand above your heart and gently move your fingers. Do not cut or remove a cast yourself
- Pain that is not controlled by your prescribed medication, elevation, and ice
- A sudden pop, or suddenly being unable to bend or straighten the finger the way you could before, which can mean the repair has come apart
It is normal for the hand and fingers to be swollen, bruised, and sore for a while, and for the hand or arm to stay numb and weak for several hours after a nerve block or numbing medicine. Keep your hand raised above your heart, and move the fingers that are not splinted as you were shown. Call if something feels different from what you were told to expect.
for chest pain, shortness of breath, or trouble breathing. These can be signs of a blood clot in the lungs and need emergency care.
If something does not match the instructions you were given, call the office. Dr. Ward or one of his physician assistants will get back to you.
Related resources
Patient resources
Surgery packets, pre-op and post-op instructions, exercise guides, and videos in one place.
Open pagePost-op packets
Dr. Ward’s post-operative instructions and packets, organized by joint.
Open pageExercise guides
Hand & wrist handouts, including carpal tunnel exercises and hand and finger exercises.
Open pagePhysical therapy locations
Find a therapy clinic near you in Tucson and Oro Valley if hand therapy is part of your plan.
Open pageOrthoInfo: Flexor tendon injuries
Patient education on tendon injuries in the hand from the AAOS.
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