Unable to bend a finger joint
Loss of active bending is a key warning sign.
Palm-side tendon injury · Hand trauma
Flexor Tendon Injury & Repair in Manchester
A deep cut on the palm side of the hand or finger can damage the tendons that bend the digits. Inability to bend a finger, altered sensation or an open wound needs prompt specialist assessment because repair timing and protected rehabilitation can affect recovery.
Cannot bend fingerPalm-side cutOpen injuryNumbness or weakness
Manchester · UKUK-trained specialist · Manchester, UAE & UK consultations
Patient guideSymptoms → Diagnosis → Treatment → Recovery
Specialist hand & wrist assessment
What is injured?
One or more flexor tendons that bend the finger or thumb.
When urgent?
Open cuts, inability to bend, altered feeling, heavy contamination or circulation concerns.
Treatment
Partial injuries may be managed selectively; complete lacerations usually require repair.
Recovery
A splint and supervised hand therapy protect the repair while movement is gradually restored.
Understanding the condition
What is a flexor tendon injury?
Flexor tendons run along the palm side of the hand and fingers and connect forearm muscles to the finger bones. They allow the fingers and thumb to bend.
Sharp cuts can partly or completely divide a tendon. Crush injuries, avulsions and fractures may also damage tendons, nerves and blood vessels at the same time.
Clear diagnosis before treatmentSimilar symptoms can arise from the neck, elbow, wrist, tendons or joints. The examination is designed to locate the true source.
What patients may notice
Symptoms worth checking early.
Symptoms vary with the tendon or finger structure involved and how long function has been affected. Persistent locking, weakness, deformity or loss of movement deserves specialist assessment.
Pain with attempted bending
A partial tendon injury may cause painful or weak flexion.
Palm-side wound
Cuts near the finger or palm can injure tendon, nerve and vessel together.
Finger resting straighter
The injured finger may sit differently from the others.
Numbness
Associated digital nerve injury may alter feeling on one side of the finger.
Swelling or catching
Partial tendon damage can cause swelling, catching or reduced glide.
Why it happens
How flexor tendons are injured
A useful consultation connects the symptom pattern to the exact tendon, pulley or joint involved—not just the label.
Sharp laceration
Glass, knives, metal and workplace tools can divide a tendon.
Jersey finger avulsion
A fingertip may be forcefully straightened while actively gripping, pulling the tendon from the bone.
Crush or fracture
High-energy injury can damage tendon, bone, nerve and blood vessels.
Attrition or inflammation
Less commonly, tendon wear or inflammatory disease can lead to rupture.
Focused diagnosis
Find the structure, the injury and the severity.
Assessment documents each finger joint, tendon function, sensation, circulation, wound contamination and associated bone or joint injury.
Bring to your appointmentPrevious reports, imaging, operation notes, splints and information about work or activities that trigger symptoms.
Injury history and wound inspection
Mechanism, timing, position and depth of the wound are important.
Individual tendon testing
Each flexor tendon is tested separately while other joints are stabilised.
Nerve and circulation examination
Sensation and blood flow are checked before local anaesthetic when possible.
Imaging when needed
X-ray looks for fracture or foreign body; ultrasound may help in selected cases.
Treatment choices
Start with the option that fits the diagnosis.
Surgery is not automatic. Treatment is matched to the exact tendon or finger problem, symptom severity, function and the patient’s goals.
Non-surgical care
Reduce irritation, protect function and review progress.
- Wound and infection careCleaning, dressing, antibiotics or tetanus review may be required depending on the injury.
- Protective splintingSelected partial injuries may be protected while tendon function is monitored.
- Hand therapySpecialist exercises balance movement with protection to reduce stiffness and adhesions.
- Activity restrictionGripping and lifting are restricted until the tendon has sufficient strength.
- Close reviewA worsening lag, catching or loss of function may change the treatment plan.
Surgical pathway
Repair the tendon and protect it through guided rehabilitation.
- Primary tendon repairThe tendon ends are sutured together when repair is appropriate.
- Repair associated structuresDigital nerves, arteries, pulleys, bone or skin may also require treatment.
- Reconstruction if delayedGrafting or staged reconstruction may be considered when direct repair is not possible.
- Structured rehabilitationA protective splint and hand-therapy protocol are central to the result.
Surgery when appropriate
Flexor tendon repair surgery
Complete flexor tendon lacerations generally need surgical repair. Timing, wound condition and associated injuries determine the exact plan.
- Assess tendon, nerve, vessel and bone injury
- Clean and prepare the wound
- Repair the tendon with a strong multistrand suture technique
- Protect the repair in a custom splint
- Begin supervised therapy at the prescribed stage
Realistic expectationsThe repair is fragile while it heals. Too much force can rupture it; too little movement can lead to adhesions and stiffness. Following the hand-therapy programme closely is essential.
Specialist pathwayDiagnosis → Procedure → Therapy → Recovery
Recovery pathway
Healing is staged—not rushed.
Timelines are guides only. The diagnosis, procedure, wound, therapy programme, job and associated injuries all influence recovery.
First days
The hand is protected in a splint and therapy begins according to the repair protocol.
First 4–6 weeks
Movement is carefully controlled; the splint is worn as directed.
6–12 weeks
Light function and strengthening progress gradually, depending on the repair and therapist advice.
Beyond 3 months
Strength and glide continue to improve; heavy use and sport require individual clearance.
4.96/555 verified reviewsWhy consult Dr. Arshad
A clear diagnosis. Practical options. A plan built around you.
Dr. Shoaib Arshad is a fellowship-trained consultant orthopaedic hand and wrist surgeon with UK specialist training and more than 17 years in orthopaedic surgery.
Focused hand, wrist and upper-limb assessmentNon-surgical and surgical treatment pathwaysConsultations in Manchester and across the UK, and at Healthpoint Abu Dhabi
Meet Dr. Arshad ↗Questions patients ask
Flexor Tendon Injury FAQs.
General information only. Your diagnosis and treatment plan should be based on an individual medical assessment.
Does every flexor tendon cut need surgery?+
Complete lacerations usually require repair. Selected partial injuries may be treated without surgery if function and tendon stability are satisfactory.
Why is hand therapy so important?+
Therapy protects the repair while introducing enough controlled movement to reduce stiffness and tendon adhesions.
How long is the tendon vulnerable?+
Repairs remain weak for weeks and commonly take around three months to regain substantial strength. Timelines vary by zone and injury.
Can sensation also be affected?+
Yes. Digital nerves run close to the flexor tendons and can be injured by the same cut.
Where can I arrange assessment?+
The team can arrange Manchester, UK consultation and advise on Dr. Arshad’s UK availability.
Medical referencesPatient information sources used for this guide
Manchester · UK & Abu Dhabi consultation availability
Ready for a clear tendon and finger assessment?
Book a specialist consultation and bring any previous imaging, reports, splints or treatment information.