This leaflet is designed to help you to understand your injury, the importance of splinting and the type of exercises that you will need to do following your surgery.
What is an extensor tendon injury?
Extensor tendons attach muscles in the back of your forearm to bones in your hand. They straighten the fingers. There are three different tendons that do this; the surgery you have had is to repair one or more of these tendons.
- Extensor Digitorum Communis (EDC). Attaches to the base of all fingers.
- Extensor Digitorum Indices (EDI). Attaches to the base of the index finger.
- Extensor Digitorum Minimi (EDM). Attaches to the base of the little finger.
When does my therapy (occupational therapy and physiotherapy) start?
You will meet your therapist 3-5 days after your operation, where you will be given two splints to wear and some exercises to do.
What is a splint and why do I have to wear it
You will be given two splints. The splints are used to protect your hand whilst the tendon is healing and reduce the risk of rupture to the repaired tendon by preventing you from fully bending your finger and wrist.
When should the splint be worn?
- The finger splint should be worn at all times.
- The wrist splint should be worn at night time only.
Home Exercises
Use your other hand to lift your
fingers until they are straight,
then let them relax back down.
Straighten your fingers as much
as you can without the help of
your other hand, then let
them relax back down.
With your wrist back,
gently make a fist.
Exercises 0 to 4 weeks – In finger splint
Please note
Your therapist will tell you how often you need to do each exercise.
How often will I have to attend hospital?
You may need to attend the hospital every week for the first 4 weeks at the Leeds General Infirmary on ward L46. After this, your therapist will tell you about any more therapy you may need and will arrange this for you.
How long will it take for the tendon to heal?
It will take 12 weeks until the tendon is fully healed, but at 4 weeks the tendon will be strong enough that you no longer need to wear the splint all of the time.
When can I return to work?
With the finger splint on, you can return to work on light duties between 1- 4 weeks after your operation.
What is scar massage and why do I need to do it?
You will be told by your therapist when you can start to massage your scar and you will be taught how to do this.
You will need to massage your scar 3-4 times daily with a non-perfumed cream.
Do
- Do wear the finger splint all the time and the wrist splint at night time for 4-6 weeks.
- Do the exercises that your therapist has taught you.
- Do cover the splint with a bag when in the shower or bath.
- Do keep away from direct heat sources (this can melt the splint).
- Do elevate your hand above your chest (rest it on pillows when asleep or sitting down).
- Do move your elbow and shoulder often (or they will get stiff).
- Do contact your therapist if you have any questions or concerns.
Do not
- Don’t remove the finger splint unless advised by your therapist.
- Don’t use your hand other than for light function (this may damage the tendon repair and you may need another operation).
- Don’t get the splint wet.
- Don’t drive for 4 weeks after your operation.
- Don’t let your arm dangle at your side for long periods.
- Don’t play any contact sports for 12 weeks or lift anything heavy (this may damage the tendon).
- Don’t bend your affected finger with force.
What should I do if I am concerned about my tendon repair?
If you feel a pop or a snap or you stop being able to straighten your finger, you should ring the department immediately. If this happens outside of our normal working hours, then you should attend the Emergency Department/Minor Injuries. If you feel unwell or are worried that your wound is infected, then you must also contact the Emergency Department.
If your splint causes any rubbing, redness or pain contact your therapist immediately.
Contact Details
Therapy Department
Monday-Friday 8am – 3:45pm (not open on bank holidays)
If you cannot attend an appointment, please ring in advance to allow another to be rearranged. Missing appointments can harm your recovery.
For any problems out of these hours, contact your local accident and emergency department.
