Tendon Injuries Melbourne

Tendons are tissues that connect muscles to bone and are present in the upper and lower limbs. Plastic surgeons are often responsible for the management of tendon injuries in upper and lower limbs, in particular the forearm, hands, leg and foot tendons. If the tendons are damaged, motion may be restricted.

Tendon function

There are two particular types of tendons present in the hand – flexor tendons and extensor tendons. Flexor tendons run from the wrist’s flexor muscles to the finger bones along the palm side of the hand and control one’s ability to bend the fingers to the shut position. Extensor tendons run alongside the backside of the hand and fingers and allow hands to straighten to the open position.

The same exists in the foot – flexor and extensor tendons help to bend and straighten the toes respectively.

The effect of tendon injuries

Tendons are quite strong, but they are not strong enough to withstand being cut as a result of injury. Even a minor cut on the back of the hand (extensor tendons) or palm (flexor tendons) can have an impact on tendon function. Depending on which tendon is injured, an injured tendon might prevent fingers from fully straightening or bending.

Tendon injuries can result in pain and discomfort which decreases the ability to properly use one’s hands.

Tendon repair surgery

Tendons, unlike other parts of the body, do not regenerate. Consequently, surgery is necessary to recover function in them when they are severed. Symptoms of injured tendons include tenderness, swelling and discomfort in addition to the loss of motion.  Extensor and flexor tendon injuries most commonly occur after hand injuries, although arthritis can also be a cause in some instances.

In instances where the tendons are completely torn, the torn tendons are fixed by being sewn back together. Occasionally, if direct repair is not possible, we may either need to do a staged reconstruction with a tendon graft or consider transferring a spare tendon to restore the function. 

Dr Sally will assess your hand while performing tendon injury surgery. With proper treatment, most people recover well from their injuries.