Flexor Tendon Injury
What are the Flexor Tendons?
The flexor tendons in the hand connect the muscles in the forearm to the bones of the hand. The flexor tendons of the hand bend or flex the fingers into the palm, allowing you to make a fist. Each finger has 2 flexor tendons (FDS and FDP tendons) and the thumb has one flexor tendon (FPL tendon).
Flexor tendons in the hand are commonly injured by a sharp object such as a knife in the kitchen or a saw blade while working. If the flexor tendon is lacerated, or cut, the patient cannot bend the finger normally. Patients have trouble making a fist or using their hands fully if the tendon is not intact. The tendons allow us to do all the tasks with our hands that we normally take for granted – tying a shoelace, turning a key, using a hammer, shaking a hand, and holding heavy objects. The tendons are always under tension, and when they are lacerated, the ends of the tendon spread apart. Because a gap is created between the two tendon ends, the tendons will not heal together on their own.
What are the Treatment Options for a Flexor Tendon Injury?
Prompt diagnosis and early treatment are important. The wound should be cleaned and stitched to help prevent infection. Most hand surgeons recommend surgery to repair the lacerated flexor tendons in order to restore hand function. This surgery is performed in the operating room within a few days of the injury. In most cases this is done as an outpatient with nerve block anesthesia. If there has been a delay in treatment (more than a couple weeks), repair of the tendons is much more difficult. Scar tissue and retraction of the tendons makes repair more complicated. Sometimes reconstruction using a tendon graft is recommended in chronic or delayed cases.
What is the Recovery Process After Flexor Tendon Injury Surgery?
The skin stitches are usually removed after about 2 weeks. Patients wear a splint for 6 weeks following surgery to protect the healing tendons. During this time, the fingers can become stiff and the hand can become weak. Therefore, hand therapy is very important after surgery. Frequent hand therapy sessions and home exercises are helpful to reduce finger stiffness, decrease scar tissue, and improve hand strength. Light use with the injured hand is usually allowed at 6 weeks following surgery. Full recovery takes several months, sometimes 6 months or more. Most people gradually regain range of motion and strength following the surgery. Occasionally a second surgery is needed to remove scar tissue if the fingers do not move properly due to scarring around the joints or tendons.
Important: After surgery, you should not remove your plaster splint or move your fingers until notified. Our therapists will guide you in gentle range of motion exercises to help reduce stiffness in the fingers. The tendon repair can break or rupture if these instructions are not followed closely. Revision surgery may be required in some cases.
Restore Flexor Tendon Function with Our Expertise at Raleigh Hand to Shoulder
A flexor tendon injury can limit your hand’s ability to flex and grip, but there’s hope for recovery. Our skilled team of orthopedic surgeons specializes in restoring hand function and helping you regain control. Call our office for an appointment or book a visit online!
Updated 6/22/2025
