What is Tendon Repair?

Tendon repair is a surgical procedure used to restore continuity and function to a torn or lacerated tendon—the tough, fibrous tissue that connects muscle to bone and enables movement. In the hand and wrist, tendons are crucial for fine motor control, gripping, and finger flexion or extension.

At Katranji Hand Center, we specialize in precise, microsurgical tendon repairs for flexor and extensor tendon injuries to optimize motion and long-term hand function.

Causes

Tendon repair is typically required after:

• Lacerations from sharp objects (e.g., glass, knives)

• Crush injuries damaging tendon fibers

• Ruptures from forceful motion (e.g., sports injuries)

• Degenerative wear (especially in rheumatoid arthritis)

• Surgical complications or previous tendon reconstruction failure

Signs & Symptoms

A damaged tendon may cause:

• Inability to bend (flexor tendon) or straighten (extensor tendon) a finger or wrist

• Sudden loss of motion after trauma

• Pain or tenderness along the tendon’s path

• Visible deformity or tendon retraction

• Swelling or bruising

• Numbness if nerves are also affected

Diagnosis

At Katranji Hand Center, evaluation includes:

• Detailed hand exam – testing active vs. passive motion

• “Tenodesis effect” test – checking for tendon function during wrist motion

• X-rays – to rule out bone injury or avulsion fractures

• Ultrasound or MRI – to locate the tendon gap or retraction

Treatment Options

Non-Surgical

• Rarely appropriate unless the tendon is partially torn and function remains intact

• May include splinting and close monitoring

Surgical Tendon Repair

• Performed under regional or general anesthesia

• A precise incision is made to expose the tendon

• Torn ends are debrided and sutured using specialized techniques (e.g., modified Kessler stitch)

• If tendon ends are too far apart, tendon grafts or grafting with palmaris longus may be required

• Wound is closed, and the hand is immobilized in a custom splint

Katranji Hand Center emphasizes zone-specific tendon repair protocols to minimize adhesion and maximize glide.

Postoperative Care

• Early motion protocols guided by hand therapy start within a few days

• Splinting in a protective position (e.g., dorsal blocking splint for flexor tendon repairs)

• Strict activity restrictions to avoid tendon rupture

• Gradual return to functional use over 8 to 12 weeks

• Full recovery may take 3 to 6 months

Associated Risks

• Tendon rupture (especially in early rehab)

• Adhesion formation and limited glide

• Scar sensitivity

• Infection

• Joint stiffness or contracture

• Need for secondary procedures like tenolysis

Prognosis

With timely surgery and consistent hand therapy, most patients regain significant function. Success depends on the zone of injury, quality of repair, and adherence to post-op protocols. At Katranji Hand Center, we combine surgical precision with collaborative rehabilitation for excellent functional outcomes in tendon injuries.