Extensor Tendon injuries and repairs
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Your extensor tendons are responsible for the straightening of the fingers, thumb and wrist. When injured, you may find that you are unable to straighten your fingers, thumb and/or wrist. These injuries will often be surgically repaired.
Following surgery, a splint will be fabricated to protect your repair. A home exercise programme will be commenced to optimise your recovery. Additionally, if other structures are also injured, e.g. nerves, your therapy programme may be altered to include different treatment activities and modalities.
The splint that you are provided with will be designed based on the location of your injury, the number of structures injured and the severity of your injury. Your splint will likely support your wrist and fingers and limit the movement of your hand within a safe range of motion.
Your therapist will advise on the length of time needed to use a splint; this will be dependent on the nature of your injury and repair.
For further information regarding extensor tendon injuries and typical surgical input, see below link to the British Society of Surgery for the Hand:
“https://www.bssh.ac.uk/patients/conditions/27/extensor_tendon_injury
*BEFORE COMMENCING ANY OF THE FOLLOWING ADVICE OR EXERCISES, PLEASE DISCUSS WITH YOUR HAND THERAPIST TO CONFIRM IF IT IS APPROPRIATE FOR YOUR CONDITION*
For Early Active Motion for Modified Norwich Regime 0-4 weeks:
Link for Early Active Motion following Thumb EPL Tendon repair 0-4 weeks:
For Immediate Controlled Active Movement (ICAM) Regime 0-3 weeks: