Before surgery is carried out, X-rays of your hand, wrist and forearm may be taken to check for any other damage, such as a fracture, that may also need to be repaired.
Tendon repair is not usually regarded as emergency surgery, but is generally carried out as quickly as possible after the injury (usually within 24 to 48 hours).
This is because the longer the tendons remain ruptured, the more scarring will develop on the end of the tendons. This could lead to a reduction in the range of your normal hand movement.
Depending on the nature of your injury, you may be given antibiotics and a tetanus jab to prevent your hand from becoming infected.
Extensor tendon repair
Extensor tendon repair is usually performed under a local anaesthetic (also known as a regional anaesthetic). A regional anaesthetic is when medication is used to make part of your body totally numb.
If your tendon was damaged due to a wound, the wound will be thoroughly cleaned out with water. An incision will be made in your hand (or, in the case of a wound, the wound may be made larger) and the two ends of the ruptured tendon will be stitched together.
A splint (a rigid support to protect the hand) is usually applied to stop you moving your hand and damaging the repaired tendons. The wound is then closed.
If nothing else has been damaged, extensor tendon repair surgery will take around 30 minutes to complete.
Flexor tendon repair
Flexor tendon repair is usually performed under a regional or general anaesthetic.
A tourniquet will be applied to your upper arm to stop the blood circulating and to make it easier to perform the operation safely. A tourniquet is a type of cuff that is used to constrict (squeeze) the blood supply.
The surgeon will then extend the wound (or make an incision if there is no wound) to locate the damaged tendons. They will use forceps to bring the two ends of the damaged tendon together. The tendons are then stitched back together and the wound in the hand closed. A splint will be applied to protect the newly repaired tendons.
A simple flexor tendon repair takes 45-60 minutes. Complex surgery for more severe injuries could take much longer.
Read more information about recovering from tendon repair of the hand and the complications of tendon repair of the hand.
