Extensor Tendon Repair

This leaflet has been produced to give you general information about your procedure. Most of your questions should have been answered by this leaflet. It is not meant to replace the discussion between you and your doctor but may act as a starting point for discussion. If after reading it you have any concerns or require further explanation, please discuss this with a member of the health care team who has been caring for you.

What is an extensor tendon?

The extensor tendons attach muscles in the forearm, to bones of the fingers and thumb. As the muscles contract, the tendons slide over the back of the hand and wrist, thus straightening the fingers and thumb. A damaged tendon needs to be repaired, in order for the hand to function properly.

Can there be any complications or risks?

Infection

Signs might include, the area becoming hot, red, painful or swollen. There is unusual or new leakage from the wound. Foul smell. You feel feverish or unwell.

You should contact Plastics Trauma Clinic, your GP or walk-in centre immediately.

Tendon rupture (breaking)

Signs include:

Sudden loss of movement of the affected finger/thumb
Feeling or hearing a crack

You should contact Plastics Trauma Clinic immediately

Adhesions

This happens when the repaired tendon becomes stuck in scar tissue.

You will be shown exercises to help reduce the risk of this happening

Splint

A splint will be made to protect your tendon whilst it heals. It is vital that you DO NOT remove the splint until advised to do so by your doctor or Hand Therapist.

Elevation

Swelling is a normal reaction to surgery; however, it is important to limit this as much as possible.

Wear your sling during the day for the first 3-5 days following surgery
Keep your hand elevated when walking around.
Elevate your hand on pillows at night and at rest.
If your hand remains swollen, continue the elevation until it settles.

Exercise

Tendons are complex, intricate structures that are vulnerable following repair.

The Hand Therapist will teach you some exercises. It is important to follow the instructions carefully.

Too much, or incorrect exercise may cause the repaired tendon to snap.

Too little exercise may result in the tendons becoming stuck down with scar tissue, making them ineffective.

Recovery Period

A tendon will repair by forming a scar, rather like a cut on the skin. However, a tendon takes much longer to heal and remains at risk of re-rupture for several weeks after the skin wound has healed.

You will need to wear a splint for 6 weeks

During this time, your Hand Therapist will monitor your progress and will adjust your exercises and splint use as necessary.

Between 6-8 weeks post-op, you will stop using the splint and gradually return to normal activities.

You should be able to return to driving after 7-8 weeks, providing you are safe to do so

Introduction

What is an extensor tendon?

Can there be any complications or risks?

Splint

Elevation

Exercise

Recovery Period

Contacts:

Physiotherapy (Monday to Friday 8.30am – 4.30 pm) CHH tel: 01482 622296 HRI tel: 01482 608764

Plastic Surgery Trauma Clinic HRI (Daily 9.00am – 12.00 noon) tel: 01482 674509