A cut finger tendon significantly impairs hand function. Tendons are cord-like structures connecting muscles to bones, enabling movement. Such an injury often requires prompt medical attention and specialized care.
Understanding Finger Tendons
In the fingers, these structures are essential for all forms of movement, allowing for bending and straightening actions. Without healthy tendons, the precise and varied movements of the fingers would not be possible.
There are two primary groups of tendons in the hand: flexor tendons and extensor tendons. Flexor tendons are located on the palm side of the hand and fingers, facilitating the bending or curling of the fingers and thumb. Extensor tendons, found on the back of the hand and fingers, enable the straightening of the fingers. Both types of tendons are necessary for the complex coordination involved in grasping, pinching, and releasing objects.
Immediate Signs and Symptoms
A cut finger tendon causes immediate sharp pain and bleeding if the skin is also broken. A distinguishing characteristic of a cut tendon is the immediate inability to bend or straighten the affected finger or a specific joint within it. This loss of movement occurs because the severed tendon ends retract, creating a gap that prevents the muscle from effectively moving the bone.
Depending on the exact location and depth of the cut, other structures near the tendons, such as nerves and blood vessels, might also be damaged. If nerves are involved, numbness or tingling sensations may occur in the affected finger. In some cases, the finger may appear visibly deformed or hang limply. A deep cut on the palm side of the hand, wrist, or forearm should immediately raise suspicion of a flexor tendon injury, especially if finger movement is impaired.
First Aid and Seeking Care
Immediate first aid for a suspected cut finger tendon focuses on controlling bleeding and protecting the wound. Gently clean the affected area with soap and water if safe to do so. Apply direct pressure to the wound with a clean cloth or sterile dressing to help stop any bleeding. Elevating the injured hand above heart level can also help reduce swelling and bleeding.
After initial first aid, it is important to cover the wound with a clean bandage. Seeking professional medical attention promptly is important. An emergency room or urgent care facility can assess the injury, clean the wound, and determine if other structures like nerves or blood vessels are also affected. Timely medical evaluation prevents infection, assesses the extent of the damage, and ensures proper repair of the tendon. Severed tendons cannot heal on their own because the ends retract.
Treatment and Rehabilitation
Medical treatment for a cut finger tendon involves surgical repair. If a tendon is completely severed, surgery is necessary to reattach the ends, often performed within 7 to 10 days. During the procedure, the surgeon makes an incision to locate the damaged tendon ends and stitches them together. If the injury is severe, a tendon graft from another part of the body might be required.
After surgery, the hand and fingers are immobilized with a splint or cast to protect the repaired tendon during the initial healing phase. This splint is worn continuously for 3 to 6 weeks to prevent movement that could re-rupture the repair. Physical or occupational therapy, known as hand therapy, begins shortly after surgery. This specialized rehabilitation helps regain movement, strength, and function through exercises that prevent stiffness and ensure the tendon glides properly.
Long-Term Considerations
After a finger tendon injury and repair, recovery can last several months. Full strength may take about 12 weeks, with a complete range of motion potentially taking up to 6 months. Some residual stiffness or reduced range of motion may persist.
Scar tissue formation is natural but can limit tendon gliding, sometimes requiring additional therapy or surgery. Re-rupture is possible if rehabilitation protocols are not followed, so adherence to therapy is important for the best outcome. Many achieve good functional results after tendon repair, though complete restoration of pre-injury function is not always guaranteed.