How Hand Surgeons Treat Flexor & Extensor Tendon Lacerations
Lacerations to the fingers can seriously impair the flexor and extensor tendons in the hand, and result in limited mobility if not treated quickly. Cuts caused by a sharp object can cause lasting damage to the tendon and surrounding tissue, and severe pain. Due to the complex network of nerves and tissue in the hand, tendon lacerations need immediate medical attention by a hand specialist.
Lacerations across the top of the hand effect the extensor tendons that allow the hand to grasp objects and straighten the hand. Lacerations that occur across the top of the palm effect the flexor tendons which draw the fingers down to form a fist.
Tendons in the fingers are utilized when grasping and releasing items. Deep lacerations can partially sever tendons but still allow some partial movement or cut the tendons completely and render the fingers immobile.
Symptoms of Flexor and Extensor Tendon Lacerations
Any loss of hand or finger movement should obviously be cause for concern. The hand is woven together by a network of tissue, blood vessels, tendons and nerves. Even the smallest of injuries can cause serious damage that may affect long term hand open/close function if not properly evaluated and treated.
Most Flexor & Extensor Tendon Lacerations are visibly apparent, such as a cut to the palm or back of the hand that immediately effects the patient’s ability to open or close the hand without pain. If not treated immediately, deep lacerations may cause extensive and permanent finger damage. However, some symptoms of injury are not so evident, such as paralysis of a finger, limited range of motion associated with pain when bending or straightening a finger, or even numbness of a finger that may suggest nerve and tendon damage.
How Hand Surgeons Diagnose Flexor & Extensor Tendon Lacerations
The hand surgeon will evaluate the finger or hand injury to check for Flexor & Extensor Tendon Lacerations. They will look at range of motion, swelling and bruising, and of course, visible trauma to thoroughly diagnose flexor and/or extensor damage. In severe injuries, an x-ray will be taken to confirm possible deeper injury such as bone damage.
How Hand Surgeons Treat Flexor & Extensor Tendon Lacerations
In mild flexor or extensor tendon lacerations, simple remedies such as icing the affected fingers and hand, splinting the fingers, and taking over the counter pain killers and anti-inflammatory drugs are the prescribed treatments.
Severe tendon tears are most often resolved with minimally invasive surgery to correct cuts that have separated the tendon, or the tendon has pulled away from the bone. Tendon tears may require stitching the tendon back together and/or reattaching it to the bone to recoup full functionality. For optimal results, the surgical procedure should be done immediately following the diagnosis.
While full recovery and range of motion to the tendon can take as long as three months to achieve, a cast or splint is typically prescribed by the hand surgeon for six weeks post-surgery to restrict movement and protect the surgery area.
Since the treatment of Flexor & Extensor Tendon Lacerations can affect the future use of the hands and fingers, it is important to have a specialized hand surgeon like Dr. Rehman carefully evaluate the injury – and the lifestyle and occupation of the patient – before determining the best treatment on a case-by-case basis.
Top Detroit Area Hand Surgeon
If you are suffering from an injury or pain in your fingers, wrist, elbow or arm, contact board certified Detroit area hand surgeon Doctor Rehman for a comprehensive evaluation and consultation. Your hands are vitally important to everything you do. Rapid detection, diagnosis, and treatment is the most effective way to ensure you heal completely, and do not suffer long term consequences.
Doctor Rehman will assess your individual condition, and offer the best state-of-the-art treatments that are best for your hand injury or illness.
