FLEXOR TENDON RECONSTRUCTION

If you need a flexor tendon reconstruction, please Schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedic specialists as soon as possible.

What Is A Flexor Tendon Reconstruction?

Flexor tendon reconstruction is a surgical procedure performed to repair or replace a damaged or nonfunctional flexor tendon in the hand or fingers, unlike Tenolysis which frees the stuck tendon from the adhesion. The flexor tendons are responsible for bending (flexing) the fingers and thumb, enabling us to make a fist and perform various gripping movements. When a flexor tendon sustains severe damage, tearing, or loses its ability to function properly, reconstruction may become necessary to restore hand function. However, this differs from a Tendon Transfer as it does not take a tendon or other muscle to transfer to the area needing repair.

Indications:

Flexor tendon reconstruction becomes necessary when a flexor tendon sustains extensive damage, becomes irreparable, or loses functionality, leading to the inability to flex the affected finger or thumb. However, physicians consider this procedure when other conservative treatments or simple tendon repairs fail to restore hand function adequately.

Procedure:

The surgeon typically performs the surgery under local or regional anesthesia, with or without sedation, depending on the patient’s condition and preferences. Morevover, throughout the procedure, the surgeon evaluates the damaged flexor tendon and may remove any nonviable tissue. If the damaged tendon is repairable, the surgeon uses sutures or surgical techniques to reconnect the tendon and restore its continuity. Additionally, in more complex cases involving severe damage or nonfunctionality of the tendon, the surgeon may utilize a tendon graft for reconstruction. This graft is harvested from another part of the body, usually from the forearm or foot, and attached to the damaged tendon to provide a functional replacement. Following the reconstruction, the surgeon closes the wound with stitches and applies a splint or protective dressing to maintain the reconstructed tendon in a protected position during the initial healing phase.

Recovery and Rehabilitation:

Ensuring the success of tendon reconstruction, the postoperative recovery period is critical. Additionally, it necessitates immobilizing the repaired or reconstructed tendon for several weeks to facilitate proper healing. Moreover, physical therapy and hand rehabilitation assume pivotal roles in the recovery process, with a therapist guiding the patient through exercises aimed at progressively enhancing the range of motion and strength of the repaired or reconstructed tendon. Achieving full recovery and returning to normal activities may take several months, with the final outcome contingent on the injury’s extent and the patient’s commitment to rehabilitation

Outcomes:

Various factors influence the success of flexor tendon reconstruction, such as the severity of the injury, the surgical technique chosen, and the patient’s compliance with postoperative care and rehabilitation. Through appropriate surgical reconstruction and diligent rehabilitation, many patients can attain satisfactory functional outcomes and regain hand function.

A skilled hand surgeon is essential for performing flexor tendon reconstruction, a complex surgical procedure. Individuals experiencing significant hand dysfunction due to severe flexor tendon injuries should promptly seek medical evaluation to ascertain the most suitable treatment approach, which may involve flexor tendon reconstruction when simpler repairs are not viable.

If you would like to speak to an Orthopedic Specialist, give us a call at 817-697-4038, or contact us over the web. Tele-medicine appointments are also available.