Flexor Tendon Repair Specialist

What are the flexor tendons?

Tendons connect muscles to bones. When your muscles contract, the tendons pull the bone to support mobility.

The muscles that move your fingers and thumb are located in your forearm. These muscles attach to the small bones in your fingers and thumb by way of long tendons that extend from your forearm, through your wrist, and into your hand. 

You have tendons on the top and palm of your hand. The tendons on the palm side of your hand are the flexor tendons. These tendons help you bend your fingers and thumb. 

When do I need flexor tendon repair?

You may need flexor tendon repair if you cut or tear one or more of your flexor tendons. A tear of one of your flexor tendons, whether in the forearm, wrist, or hand, makes it impossible for you to bend one or more of your fingers.

Because the flexor tendons run so close to the surface of your skin, any injury likely severs the tendon. Tendons are like rubber bands: When cut in two, each piece retracts to make it impossible for the tendon to repair itself on its own.

Flexor tendon repair is the only treatment for your cut or torn tendon. These tendons are difficult to repair and require highly specialized surgery and surgical skills to get the best outcomes.

Dr. Gonzalez-Hernandez is a highly skilled upper extremity surgeon. He introduced innovative tools and techniques to perform flexor tendon repair in the hand and finger. His flexor tendon repair tools are the most common tools surgeons use to perform this difficult procedure.

What happens during flexor tendon repair?

The details of your flexor tendon repair depend on the type of tear you have. Dr. Gonzalez-Hernandez develops individualized surgical plans that match your unique situation.

During the procedure, Dr. Gonzalez-Hernandez uses his customized tools and techniques to repair your tendon and stitch it back together. Flexor tendon repair is an outpatient procedure, so you go home the same day. 

These innovative tools and techniques allow Dr. Gonzalez-Hernandez to push the envelope in terms of outcomes and recovery for an injury that can be difficult to correct. 

How long is recovery from flexor tendon repair?

Recovery from tendon flexor repair varies, but it can take up to two months for your tendon to heal and your hand to regain its strength. Dr. Gonzalez-Hernandez refers you to the in-house occupational therapy department soon after your flexor tendon repair to speed up your recovery. 

To schedule a consultation at Eduardo Gonzalez-Hernandez, MD PLLC to discuss your flexor tendon repair options, call the office or book an appointment online today.