Tendon Lacerations

Tendon lacerations are cuts that sever the tendons controlling finger or wrist movement, commonly caused by sharp injuries such as glass or knives.

Inability to bend or straighten the affected finger or wrist, a visible wound, and often bleeding at the injury site.

Cuts from glass, knives, machinery, or other sharp objects that sever the tendon as it passes near the skin surface.

Seek urgent assessment for any cut associated with loss of finger or wrist movement, even if the wound appears minor.

Clinical examination testing active movement of each finger joint to identify which tendons are affected.

Usually a clinical diagnosis based on wound exploration; imaging is occasionally used to assess for associated injuries.

Non-operative treatment is not appropriate for complete tendon lacerations, as the tendon ends will not reconnect without repair.

Surgical repair is generally needed for complete tendon lacerations to restore function.

Surgical tendon repair reconnects the severed tendon ends using specialized suture techniques, ideally performed soon after injury.

A structured, supervised hand therapy protocol with splinting is essential after repair, typically over eight to twelve weeks.

Outcomes depend on the tendon involved and adherence to therapy; many patients regain good functional motion.

Tendon re-rupture, stiffness, adhesions limiting motion, and infection.