Tendon Injury & Reconstruction
Tendons are the structures that allow the fingers, thumb, and wrist to move with precision and strength.
Injuries may occur suddenly through lacerations, sporting trauma, fractures, or machinery injuries. Tendon problems may also develop gradually through attrition, inflammation, arthritis, previous surgery, or longstanding instability.
Because hand movement relies on tendons gliding smoothly through extremely confined spaces, even relatively small injuries can significantly affect movement, dexterity, grip strength, and overall hand function.
Conditions commonly treated include:
- Flexor tendon injuries
- Extensor tendon injuries
- Tendon rupture
- EPL rupture
- Tendon adhesions
- Attritional tendon damage
- Tendon imbalance
- Post-traumatic tendon dysfunction
- Failed previous tendon repair
Symptoms may include:
- Loss of finger movement
- Weakness
- Stiffness
- Tendon catching
- Reduced dexterity
- Altered finger posture
- Pain or mechanical dysfunction
Treatment depends on:
- Timing of injury
- Tendon quality
- Associated nerve or bone injury
- Stiffness
- Scarring
- Functional demands
Management may involve:
- Tendon repair
- Tendon grafting
- Tendon transfer
- Tenolysis
- Pulley reconstruction
- Staged reconstruction
- Rehabilitation and splinting
Recovery following tendon surgery is often heavily dependent on specialised hand therapy and carefully staged rehabilitation.
The aim is restoration of smooth, coordinated movement while minimising stiffness, adhesions, and long-term functional limitation.
Why is hand therapy so important after tendon surgery?
Tendon repair needs to balance healing with controlled movement. Too much force too early may risk rupture, while too little movement may lead to stiffness and adhesions. Carefully supervised rehabilitation is often critical to achieving the best possible functional result.