Hand Tendon Repair

What is hand tendon repair?

People who are severely affected by rheumatoid arthritis, infection, overuse or injury may develop a condition that involves the long tendons on the back of the hand. This is called dorsal tenosynovitis and is an inflammation of the lining of the sheath that surrounds the tendon (the cord that joins muscle to bone). The problem produces a painless soft lump, but the tendon may tear making you unable to move the finger.

Orthopaedics at Main Line Health offers hand specialists experienced in both surgical and nonsurgical approaches to repair tendons. Our care team works with patients to develop a personalized treatment plan to help you regain mobility and find relief from pain.

What to expect from hand tendon repair

Tenosynovitis caused by infection needs immediate treatment. Your health care provider will prescribe antibiotics. In some severe cases, emergency surgery may be needed to release the pus around the tendon.

If there is no infection, a steroid injection may be used to decrease inflammation along the tendon sheath. Some patients need surgery to remove the inflammation surrounding the tendon.

After you have recovered, your provider may recommend physical therapy and strengthening exercises using the muscles around the affected tendon to help prevent the injury from coming back.