Tendons connect muscles to bones and aid in motion of the joints. In the hand, tendons run from the wrist to the fingertips. On the palm side of the hand, the tendons are identified as flexor tendons and perform the motion of curling or closing the hand. The flexor tendons of the hand are most frequently injured by laceration or cutting of the tendon.
Surgery
When a flexor tendon of the hand is completely severed, the ends will tend to pull away from each other and cannot heal without surgical intervention. According to The American Society for Surgery of the Hand, there are many different approaches to surgical repair of a flexor tendon, and the surgeon will determine which approach is appropriate. Following surgery, the hand will be immobilized for up to six weeks to allow the repair to fully heal. Generally, full and normal range of motion will not be regained after surgery, but with therapy the patient will regain functional use of the hand.
Splinting
If the flexor tendon of the hand is only partially lacerated, it may be treated with immobilization in a hand splint for up to six weeks. The hand must be placed in such a way that the lacerated portions of the tendon are near enough to each other to begin to knit back together. Range of motion cannot be initiated until the tendon is healed or it will re-tear. If the hand is immobilized for too long, range of motion will be difficult to achieve because scar tissue will accumulate.
Physical Therapy
According to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, a physical therapist can work with the patient to regain range of motion, strength and function. The patient will be instructed in exercises that emphasize bending and gripping with the hand. The therapist may use heat and ultrasound to increase the flexibility of the finger and decrease swelling. Physical therapy is usually prescribed three times per week, for six to eight weeks, with the goal of returning patients back to their previous level of activity.
