Tendon rupture in your hand, wrist, or elbows occurs due to trauma, injuries, age, and excessive strain. Tendons are strong tissue cords linking muscles to bones. When muscles tighten, tendons pull on bones, allowing you to make movements. 

A rupture in the tendon can affect your ability to move and use the hand, wrist, or elbow. Tendon repair may be needed when the tendons get ruptured, torn, or damaged. It can fix damaged or torn tendons and help restore movement in the affected part.

During some physical activities like jumping, the pressure on a tendon may be more than five times your body weight. In some instances, tendons can snap or rupture partially or completely for reasons such as trauma, injuries, age, and excessive strain. 

If the tendon detaches from the bone, it’s called a complete tear. However, if it remains intact, the rupture is only partial. 

Tendon rupture can be acute or chronic. Acute tendon rupture causes immediate pain and reduced function. When a rupture remains untreated for over four weeks, it is classified as a chronic ruptured tendon.

There are two groups of tendons in the hand:

• Extensor tendon: It runs from the forearm across the back of your hand to your fingers and thumb. The extensor tendon helps you straighten your fingers and thumb. 
• Flexor tendon: It runs from your forearm and across the palm of your hand, allowing you to bend your fingers. 

Tendon rupture repair depends on the severity of the tear. If symptoms are severe, tendon repair surgery may be required. Reducing movement and resting the tendon are the most common treatment options for a ruptured tendon.

The symptoms of a ruptured tendon may vary depending on where the rupture, tear, or snap has occurred or whether it is complete or partial. Common symptoms include: 

• Tearing sensation when the injury happens
• Warmth around the injury
• Swelling or inflammation  
• Severe pain at the injury site and throughout your arm 
• Difficulty turning your palm
• Rapid or immediate bruising
• Inability to use or move the affected hand, wrist, or elbows
• Inability to bear weight
• Weakness

Hand tendon repair is needed when one or more tendons in your hand rupture, causing the loss of normal hand movements. If your extensor tendons are damaged, you may be unable to straighten one or more fingers. If your flexor tendons are damaged, you may be unable to bend one or more fingers.

Tendon ruptures usually occur in the middle-aged or older population. In a young person, the muscle usually tears before the tendon. Tendon ruptures are more common in older people and those with certain illnesses like gout or hyperparathyroidism.

Common causes of tendon rupture include:

• Injury or cuts
• Getting older
• Repetitive motions
• Extra strain on the tendon
• Weak muscles 
• Steroid injections
• Medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes
• Incorrect form during physical activities
• Sports injuries 

Diagnosing a ruptured tendon in the hand, wrist, or elbow usually involves the following procedures: 

• Physical examination: Your doctor will assess the range of motion, strength, and the location of pain or swelling. They may also feel for gaps or irregularities where the tendon may have torn.
• Medical history: Your doctor may ask about any recent injuries, symptoms, or previous medical conditions that may be relevant.
• Imaging tests: X-rays can help identify fractures or other bone abnormalities that may accompany a tendon rupture. Ultrasound or MRI scans provide detailed images of tendons, helping to confirm the diagnosis and determine the extent of the injury.
• Specialized tests: In some cases, additional tests, such as stress tests or specific movements, may be performed to evaluate the stability and function of the affected area.

Tendon repair surgery is performed to treat a torn or damaged tendon. During this procedure, the surgeon makes a cut in the wrist, hand, or finger to locate the ends of the torn tendon and stitch them together. 

A tendon graft may be needed if the tendon rupture is severe and cannot be reconnected. It involves using a piece of tendon from another part of the body or an artificial tendon.

Anesthesia is used during tendon repair to minimize discomfort during the surgery. Extensor and flexor tendon repair is usually done under a regional or general anesthetic.

Tendon repair is performed to restore the normal function and movement of your hand, wrist, or elbow following a tendon injury or tear. At Kimball Health Services, our orthopedic team or our board-certified hand and orthopedic surgeons provide compassionate and expert treatment for ruptured tendon repairs.

As one of the top critical access hospitals in the nation, we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality, patient-centered care. 

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