Tendon repair Surgery-Flexor Extensor

Flexor tendons are detected on the palm side of the hand. As a result, this is helpful in bending the fingers, allowing the hands to hold objects and perform twisted hand movements. Moreover, these tendons work through a layer of sheath, which allows smooth gliding motion. Therefore, tendon repair surgery becomes compulsory once the flexor or extensor tendons support significant damage, such as lacerations, ruptures, or avulsion. In fact, some of the most common causes include injuries, accidents, and trauma.

Understanding the term ‘Tendons’

First of all, let's know what tendons are. To begin with, what is the work of tendons? Well, tendons are hard cords that connect muscles to bones. As a result, many muscles tighten the connected tendons, which pull on particular bones. In this way, tendons lead to a great range of movements.

There are two categories of tendons in the hand:

Flexor tendons: These work from the forearm, via the wrist, and across the palm of the hand, which helps in bending the fingers and making movement.

Extensor tendons: These work from the forearm, across the back of the hand to the fingers and thumb, allowing the tightening and straightening of the fingers and thumb.

Therefore, surgery can be performed to treat the damage caused to any of these groups of tendons.

The Role of Tendons in Hand Function and Repair

Hand tendon repair is required when one or more tendons are severely ruptured or cut, which results in the loss of hand movements. In the case of damage to extensor tendons, it becomes difficult to straighten or bend the fingers. Additionally, tendon damage leads to pain and inflammation in the hand.

However, it is not always compulsory to perform surgery to treat damaged tendons. Instead, these tendon repairs can also be fixed using the support of a splint, which your doctor will attach around the hand.

Understanding the Procedure of Extensor Tendon Repair

Before proceeding with the surgery, a patient is given either regional or general anesthesia. Specifically, regional anesthesia is injected on top of the shoulder, which leads to numbness in the arm.

If the tendons are damaged due to a wound, the initial step is to clean the wound. Additionally, an incision is made to get a clearer view of the wound.

Once this is done, the two ends of the damaged or ruptured tendons will be brought together and stitched. Afterward, the wound will be stitched. A hard splint, typically made of plaster, will help to keep the hand in position and also support the repair of the damaged tendons.

Fortunately, extensor tendon surgery is not very complex surgery, so it takes around 30 minutes to complete, provided that nothing else is damaged.

Understand the Procedure of Flexor Tendon Repair

Similar to extensor tendon surgery, before undergoing the incisions, a general or regional anesthesia is given to numb the body so that the patient feels no pain during the surgery.

Next, a tight band known as a tourniquet is wrapped around the upper arm to prevent blood circulation. This helps to provide clearer visuals of the structure, and prevents the bleeding wound from complicating the procedure.

The surgeon will then make incisions if there is no existing wound, or if necessary, extend the wound to access the damaged tendons.

Once the tendons are visible, the damaged ends will be brought together and stitched.

Finally, the wound will be closed with stitches and plaster. A hard plaster will be wrapped around the damaged hand to protect the repaired tendons.

Since this surgery is more complicated than others, it typically takes around 40-60 minutes to complete.

Cost of tendon repair surgery- flexor extensor

The cost of tendon repair surgery – flexor or extensor in India is way better and affordable than in other nations. However, the complete cost of the treatment depends upon various factors, such as the type of surgery, stay at the hospital, facilities of stay, expertise of the surgeon, and more. But surely, the surgery does not make a hole in the pocket. Additionally, the top orthopedic surgeons in India take a higher consultation fee than other surgeons, but they also give the best results.

Summary

Flexor tendons are detected on the palm side of the hand. As a result, this is helpful in bending the fingers, allowing the hands to hold objects and perform twisted hand movements.

Well, tendons are hard cords that connect muscles to bones. As a result, many muscles tighten the connected tendons, which pull on particular bones.