Hand tendon repair

Why hand tendon repair is done

Tendons connect muscles to bones in your joints. The tendons in your hands are used when you bend and straighten your fingers.

You may need surgery to repair the tendons in your hand if they’ve been damaged by:

• an injury, such as a deep cut or bite
• a long-term condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis

Damage to your hand tendons can stop you using your hands properly.

Sometimes other treatments, such as physiotherapy, may be tried first. But if these do not work then tendon repair will usually be recommended.

What happens during hand tendon repair surgery

Hand tendon repair surgery is done in hospital.

You'll either have a general anaesthetic (you're asleep during the operation) or a local anaesthetic (you're awake but will have no feeling in your hand).

During the operation:

1. The surgeon makes cuts into affected hand, usually just above the damaged tendons
2. The damaged tendons in your hand are stitched together
3. The cuts in your hand are closed with stitches.

You should be able to go home on the same day of the surgery, or the day after. You will need somebody to take you home.

Recovering from hand tendon repair

It can take up to 12 weeks after surgery for you to start using your hand tendons again.

If you received a very bad injury, your tendons may be weaker and have less range of movement than before your injury. Your care team will give you more information on what to expect

You’ll be given a splint to wear after you leave hospital. You’ll need to wear this for a number of weeks after surgery.

You’ll also be offered regular hand therapy sessions, where you’ll be taught hand exercises to help with your recovery. You should be invited to see a therapist in the week after your surgery and then have regular weekly sessions.

Once your splint has been removed you will be advised to regularly rub non-perfumed hypo-allergenic moisturiser onto any cuts made during surgery. This may prevent itching and irritation.

Complications of hand tendon repair

Hand tendon repair is a common type of surgery and serious complications are rare. Your doctor or surgeon will explain the risks to you before the procedure.

Possible complications of hand tendon repair include:

• infection where the cuts were made in your hand
• the repaired tendons become stuck or split apart
• you may not regain full use of your hand tendons after they recovery from the effects of surgery; this tends only to be a risk if the injury was particularly bad

Any problems should be obvious during your hand therapy sessions, as they’ll usually affect your ability to move your hand and fingers

An infection can be treated with antibiotics, while hand splints, exercises, or more surgery can help with tendon problems.