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Flexor Tendon Tear

 

What is a Flexor Tendon Tear?

Flexor tendons are cord-like structures that run from the forearm across the wrist and palm into the fingers. These tendons allow you to bend your fingers and thumb to grasp and object or make a fist. Injuries to the flexor tendons can cause you to lose the ability to bend one or more joints in your hand.

Symptoms of a Flexor Tendon Tear

Sometimes, a flexor tendon tear can happen without warning or injury – a person may simply notice that their finger no longer bends but can’t recall what happened. The most common symptoms of a flexor tendon injury include:

  • An open injury on the palm side of your hand, wrist, or forearm
  • Inability to bend one or more joints of your finger.
  • Pain when bending finger.
  • Tenderness along finger on palm side of the hand.
  • Numbness in fingertips.

Causes of a Flexor Tendon Tear

Flexor tendon injuries typically occur from a cut on the palm side of your fingers, hand, wrist, or forearm. It can also occur when a finger or thumb is suddenly pulled away from you when you are attempting to grasp something. While an open cut can cause a simple laceration, a sudden and violent pull away from the tendon can cause a tear.

Certain health conditions, like rheumatoid arthritis, can weaken the flexor tendons and make them more susceptible to tear or rupture. 

Diagnosis and Treatment for a Flexor Tendon Tear

Your provider will perform a physical exam and review your medical history. Diagnostic images, such as X-ray or MRI may be needed to help diagnose. Your provider may ask you to bend or straighten your fingers to determine whether nerves or blood vessels have been impacted. 

After examining your hand, your provider may place your hand in a splint to protect the torn tendon. In the case of tendons, they can’t heal unless the ends are touching – which requires surgery to repair. Surgery is usually performed within 7 to 10 days after an injury.

Often after your surgery, you will be referred to a physical therapist to begin surgical exercises to protect the tendon repair. A flexor tendon takes approximately 3 to 4 months to heal, and you will be required to wear a protective splint for about 6 to 8 weeks after surgery. It is important to follow proper instructions from your provider to ensure proper healing.