Flexor Tendon Injury

What is a Flexor Tendon Injury?

Flexor tendon injuries involve damage to the tendons that allow the fingers to bend. They can occur from cuts, sports mishaps, or sudden forced extension of the fingers.

• Often involves lacerations or traumatic avulsions
• Can lead to loss of finger flexion and grip strength

Overview of the Condition

The flexor tendons travel through the carpal tunnel and into the fingers. Any tear, rupture, or cut can severely limit hand function, requiring prompt assessment and treatment.

Symptoms

• Inability to bend one or more finger joints
• Pain and swelling, possibly with visible tendon ends in open injuries
• Popping or snapping sensation at the time of injury

Causes

Trauma from sharp objects or forced extension can sever or rupture a flexor tendon. Sports that involve gripping, such as rock climbing, can place extra strain on these tendons.

Diagnosis

Clinical examination includes testing active finger flexion. Imaging or ultrasound may confirm partial tears, while lacerations are typically evident upon inspection.

Treatment Options

• Surgical repair for complete tears or lacerations
• Splinting in a flexed position post-repair
• Hand therapy to regain motion and prevent scar adhesions

Conservative Management

Partial tears or mild strains may be managed with splinting and monitoring. However, most flexor tendon injuries require surgical intervention for best functional outcomes.

Rehabilitation Exercises

1. Early controlled passive motion protocols (if surgically repaired)
2. Gradual progression to active flexion exercises
3. Scar management to prevent tendon adhesions

When is Surgery Needed?

Complete tendon lacerations or substantial tears typically require surgical repair to restore finger flexion and prevent permanent disability.

Surgical Procedures

• Direct end-to-end tendon repair with fine sutures
• Use of tendon graft if primary repair is not possible
• Post-operative splinting and therapy protocols

Anatomy Overview

Two primary flexor tendons (Flexor Digitorum Profundus and Flexor Digitorum Superficialis) run through the palm and into the fingers, enabling bending at different joints.

Affected Areas

• Hand and fingers' flexor tendon system
• Synovial sheaths around the tendons
• Pulley system that keeps tendons close to bones

Frequently Asked Questions

QuestionAnswerHow soon after injury should surgery be done?Prompt surgical repair within days is ideal to reduce scarring and improve outcomes.Will I regain full grip strength?With proper repair and rehabilitation, many regain near-full strength, though mild deficits can remain.

Prevention Strategies

• Use gloves and protective equipment when working with sharp objects
• Avoid overstressing the fingers with repetitive gripping
• Warm up properly before sports or heavy manual activities

Related Conditions

• Extensor tendon injuries
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Trigger finger (stenosing tenosynovitis)

Additional Treatments

Advanced hand therapy techniques and specialized splints can optimize healing and help maintain tendon glide.