Hand & Wrist Center of Houston Home If you suspect broken bones, dislocated joints, lacerated tendons, lacerated nerves, infection, or have an open wound below the elbow, then call us immediately.
 
TENDON LACERATIONS


WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Tendon LacerationTendons that move the fingers can sometimes rupture with a sudden force but more often are cut by sharp lacerations. Lacerations may be partial or complete. If complete, the function of that tendon will be lost forever unless the tendon is repaired. There is a limited period of time after injury during which repair is possible. Examination right away by an expert in hand trauma is needed to prevent serious long-term problems with hand function.

MEDICAL HISTORY

The patient can almost always recall the specific event when the injury happened and frequently will have noticed the function of the finger that no longer works right after the injury.

EXAMINATION

The specific function of the tendon will be tested to determine if the loss is partial or complete and any other related losses that may have happened such as nerve lacerations.

ADDITIONAL TESTS: None are needed.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

 NON-OPERATIVESURGICAL REPAIRSURGICAL RECONSTRUCTION
CONSISTS OF4 weeks of splintingSewing together the original tendonsGrafting or transfers with other tendons
FEATURESOnly good for some extensor tendon rupturesOnly possible if treatment done within so many weeks of injuryNeed to borrow other tendons to use for the reconstruction
ADVANTAGESNo surgeryPrevents loss of functionCan solve problem at any time point after injury
DISADVANTAGESOnly few injury patterns can be treated this wayRequires patient commitment to 3 months of rehabilitationRequires patient commitment to up to 6 months of rehabilitation and possibly more than one surgery

RECOVERY

After the tendons have been sewn together, transferred, or grafted they still have to bond or heal together. In the mean time they are only connected by the strength of small threads. The wrong type of movements will cause the sutures to break and the tendons to come apart again. If no movement is done the tendons will develop unwanted scar tissue and have no useful function. Starting immediately after surgery it is necessary to begin a pattern of specific rehabilitation movements performed every hour on the hour. A splint protects against moving too far during the first 6 weeks. During the second 6 weeks more vigorous exercises are allowed. By the end of 3 months the hand works about as well as it is going to and patients are allowed to resume all their normal activities in life. When reconstruction is necessary, there may be 2 surgeries spaced 3 months apart; each one has a 3-month course of rehabilitation afterwards.
 
 
 
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  • staff in this clinic are very nice and friendly - 03/02/11
  • great service with fantastic results - 08/25/11
  • Absolutey the best place to come if you have any hand issues. - 12/07/11
  • Dr. Henry is remarkable along with his staff and his practice. I recomend Dr. Henry to my friends and co-workers. - 05/18/11
  • Thanks for eveything! - 09/12/11
  • great staff and service - 02/11/11
  • ...I believe Dr. Henry is the best and has made a huge difference in our medical situations. I have referred many people and would continue to come until he retires - 11/28/11
  • very good staff - 12/07/11
  • This entire experience thus far has been amazing. The staff has been great and very helpful. Thank you hand and wrist center. - 08/02/11
  • if everybody worked like dr mark henry and his staff the us would be debt free congragulations guys i was really impressed. - 11/16/11
  • THE DOCTOR AND STAFF ARE VERY PROFESSIONAL AND COURTEOUS!!! - 03/03/11
  • Very greatful the staff took care of me was thankful they all showed so much care. hopefully i dont have to come back but if i do i knonw i will get treated with outstanding care. - 08/25/11
  • Outstanding from start. Already recommended to friend - 12/19/11
  • Luis was extremely helpful and professional assisting me, a NCM, with my problem. Please give him a cookie or a raise. - 09/20/11
  • I am super happy with my experience and the outcome of my situation. I would definitely recommend this practice to friends with similar situations. - 02/07/12
  • I had surgery on both hands and I am really impressed with the results of my hands. Thanks Dr. Henry - 08/08/11
  • This has been a wonderful experience for me with great outcome - 11/21/11
  • All the staff is great, they all do an outstanding job and make me feel welcomed every time i come in. - 01/21/11
  • ... I like the office and exam rooms--unique ... - 01/04/11
  • Another successful visit, thank you. - 02/08/12
  • I NOT ONLY LIKED DR. HENRY, BUT ALL OF THE STAFF THAT I MET WERE VERY NICE. I WOULD CERTAINLY RECOMMEND DR. MARK HENRY TO MY FRIENDS. - 02/25/11
  • I will miss everyone here, but I am pleased with my healing process and happy with my recovery. - 01/12/11
  • I am very pleased with the service received from Dr. Henry. He is a very great doctor. - 09/19/11
  • amazing (: - 11/07/11
  • l staff is considerate and friendly! We love everyone! - 11/16/11
  • Dr. Henry and his staff are remarkable..very organized and informed. Everyone, including Dr. Henry, is both professional and friendly. I would and have recommended this office to anyone!! Thank you! - 08/02/11
  • We loved Dr. Henry! He made my 8 year old son feel very comfortable during a tough time. - 11/29/11
  • Very informative - 11/30/11
  • I have seen 4 other physicians...for my finger laceration and NONE of them explained my condition, options and the science behind the injury as well as Dr. Mark Henry. - 01/05/11
  • Very impressed by every aspect of my visit from the friendliness of everyone to how quickly I was treated. I would definitely recommend this doctor and facility to others. - 12/29/11
  • i am from beaumont tx and i would come back any time - 11/17/11
  • My visit was pleasant; the staff are great. - 01/10/11
  • You guys are awesome!!! Very happy with service!!! - 04/08/11
  • Wonderful experience very impressed with the care and accuracy they showed to my dad...Thanks - 01/12/11
  • great job!!! - 01/26/11
  • I will definately recommend Dr. Henry to anyone who has hand and/or wrist problems. Very personable and professional as well as thorough !!! - 04/01/11
  • The staff are always professional and courteous. Often very helpful...Very grateful. Thanks - 12/01/11
  • I've already recommended others to Dr. Henry because of his outstanding abilities to take care of his patients and his excellent staff of professionals. - 02/08/12
  • Thank you for your kind assistance during my visit. - 11/30/11
  • Fantastic team! - 03/09/11
  • Glad i came to see the wrist center for a second opinion. i feel i am being cared for by the best in the area and i will be able to resume my life. - 01/27/12
  • Dr Henry did a wonderfull job and fixed the problems I had with no pain or worry. - 01/17/11
  • Overall the Doctor and Staff has been outstanding - 01/23/12
  • Always a great experience. - 01/13/12










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